No one should have to worry about putting food on the table for their family – which is why the Allan Labor Government is supporting organisations that deliver food relief right across Victoria.
Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence today visited Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood House to announce that theVictorian Budget 2024/25will invest $6 million to deliver food relief for Victorian families.
This includes $2.5 million for the Neighbourhood Houses food relief program – which provides grants to neighbourhood houses across Victoria to deliver food relief where it’s needed most.
Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood House has a long history of supporting communities across the Yarra Ranges through social events and activities, education, food relief, special interest groups and their free counselling program Be Well in the Ranges.
An additional $3.5 million will also be invested to deliver food relief – including $1.5 million to support six Regional Food Relief Hubs in Bendigo, Shepparton, Geelong, Wodonga, Mildura and Warrnambool.
While $2 million will be invested to establish two new grant programs which will support partnerships between metro and regional providers, and support community and volunteer-based organisations to strengthen food security initiatives across the state.
The funding will help tackle cost-of-living pressures and provide important food relief for Victorian families.
Since 2020, the Labor Government has invested more than $56 million to strengthen the food relief system including support for the six regional hubs. In addition, $10 million has been provided to Foodbank for food relief hubs in Morwell and Ballarat.
As stated by Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence
“No Victorian should worry about having enough to eat. That’s why we’re delivering more food relief to support Victorian families that are doing it tough.”
“We’re supporting our neighbourhood houses because so many of them play an important role in getting food on the table for Victorians who need it most.”
As stated by the Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“We’re delivering funding for organisations that are on the ground in the community – making sure no Victorian, no matter where they live, goes hungry.”
