Communities facing food insecurity will have increased access to healthy food thanks to grants awarded through the Allan Labor Government’s Community Food Relief program.

Member for Melton Steve McGhie today announced grants in Melton to help communities in need. Community organisations and neighbourhood houses will receive up to $50,000 for individual projects and up to $75,000 for partnership projects to distribute fresh food and pantry staples.

The $4.5 million Community Food Relief Program includes Local Grants announced today, and Coordination Grants announced in October, helping to respond to the rising demand for food relief amid cost-of-living pressures experienced by individuals and families.

Grants will boost the capacity of local community organisations to provide food relief, through expanding food relief activities, facility upgrades, support and upskilling of volunteers and delivering initiatives that address the underlying causes of food insecurity.

Grant recipients in Melton include -  

Soul Food Program Incorporate who have received funding through the $4.5 million Community Food Relief Program to purchase new kitchen equipment and enhance delivery of community meals program with provision of take-home bags of fruit and vegetables for attendees.

Earth Village Community Ltd who have received funding through the $4.5 million Community Food Relief Program to restore in-house meals service and increase capacity to meet takeaway demand, by installing donated commercial ovens, repair and upgrade kitchen preparation areas, and adding stainless steel benches.

Since 2020, the Labor Government has invested more than $56 million to strengthen Victoria’s food relief system, including support for six Regional Foodshares.

In addition, $3.3 million in operational funding is provided to Foodbank Victoria each year, as well as $10 million to support the establishment of Foodbank’s community food centres in Morwell and Ballarat.

To see the full list of funded projects, visit vic.gov.au/community-food-relief-program-local-grants.

Quotes attributable to Member for Melton Steve McGhie

“These grants will deliver much needed food relief to those who need it, and provide a helping hand for Victorians in need so they can get back on their feet.”

“We know our wonderful community organisations have the local knowledge and connections to best understand and respond to local needs, and to provide food relief where it’s needed most.”