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 Bass Jordan Crugnale recently announced that the Corinella and District Community Centre (CDCC) received $21,445 for new efficient refrigeration, storage and cooking equipment for the community pantry and lunch programs which will increase provisions through the food pantry and supply of fresh food options.
“The CDCC is an extraordinary organisation that is all heart and all community,” Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale said.
“Centre Manager Kerryn Ladell and the team of volunteers provide a remarkable service, have a wide-ranging array of programs on the go, connecting people to each other and to support services, run many activities and interest groups and I thank them for all they do.
“This grant enables them to get the kitchen and storage equipment they need and importantly be able to stock the food pantry with fresh produce and staples so those in need don’t go without.
“We know our neighbourhood houses and 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.”
The $4.5 million Community Food Relief Program includes Local Grants and Coordination Grants to help respond to the rising demand for food relief amid cost-of-living pressures experienced by individuals and families.
“At CDCC we are delighted to be the recipient of the Food Relief Grant from the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing,” Centre Manager Kerryn Ladell said.
“This grant will go a long way to supporting our volunteers who look after the community through our Emergency Food Relief Pantry here at the Centre.
“Our Centre supports people needing additional food for single people and families. We cater for up to 20 people per week with our Community Lunch program. The grant will help fund food for our community lunches, and this attracts people who feel isolated in our community to come along and enjoy the good food and good people who come along to our lunch.
“These programs are all run by volunteers in our community who give of their time willingly and want to give back to their community. There is lots of laughter and joy at our lunches.”
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.
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 across the state.
To see the full list of funded projects, visit vic.gov.au/community-food-relief-program-local-grants.
