LOCAL community organisations have received welcome Christmas gifts with a share in a $9 million funding through the State Government’s Community Food Relief Program.
Whittlesea Community House has received $78,000 to expand Whittlesea Township Fresh Food Co-op delivering fresh produce from local farmers to community members. The money will also help it develop cooking classes and to upgrade the community kitchen to provide meals for homeless and other vulnerable groups.
Compassion North Inc gets $45,000 to purchase food supplies and kitchen equipment to enhance food relief operations across the Hume, Mitchell Shire and Whittlesea areas.
In Mitchell Shire, Seymour & District Community House has received $15,000 to run community lunch and cooking classes, Harvest Hub food pantry and provide 100 meals a month to families.
Across Victoria, the program boosts supply for large-scale food relief organisations and supports volunteers. Seven coordination grants will help major providers expand services, while 126 local grants will strengthen grassroots support.
In the Macedon Ranges Shire, Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre will receive $89,000 to establish a commercial kitchen.
Woodend Neighbourhood House gets $22,500 to train volunteers, purchase digital tools and supplies for a new community garden.
The 2025/26 Victorian Budget delivers $18 million to expand food relief across Victoria.
Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas said the grants would deliver much-needed food relief to those who needed it, and provide a helping hand for locals in need, so they could 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.”
Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said she welcomed any support for neighbourhood houses and the frontline services stepping in for families doing it tough during the cost-of-living crisis.
“But this latest funding announcement simply does not match the scale of the need. One local neighbourhood house has already confirmed it will be forced to make staff redundant because the funding received was only around a third of what was requested.
“This is happening at the very moment demand is skyrocketing and families are choosing between paying the power bill, covering rent, or putting food on the table.
“Any investment in food relief is welcome, but it must be meaningful. These services are not asking for luxury, they are asking for what they need to make sure no family goes hungry.”
A full list of grant recipients is available at vic.gov.au/community-food-reliefprogram-coordination-grants