The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring more food relief is available for Victorian families during the Christmas period with the delivery of an extra 220,000 meals through community food relief programs.

Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Anthony Carbines today announced 17 organisations would share in more than $850,000 through the third round of the Food Relief Financial Reserve grants.

The grants build on $3.5 million already delivered through the program, which is providing more than 2.3 million meals and supporting 41 full-time equivalent food relief jobs. The funding will assist community food relief providers to deliver more food to Victorians in need as Victoria turns to economic and social recovery.

The Labor Government has invested more than $38 million to expand community food relief across Victoria since February 2020.

This includes $5 million in grants to 93 community food relief organisations for additional storage and equipment to deliver more food relief to Victorians in need.

The Government has also established a Food Relief Taskforce to provide system leadership and advice to government on strengthening and enhancing the community food relief system in Victoria.

For the list of organisations receiving funding, visit providers.dffh.vic.gov.au/community-food-relief.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Anthony Carbines

“We are ensuring a warm meal is available for everyone who needs it – because no Victorian should worry about having enough to eat.”

“We are supporting food relief organisations across the state to continue their important work getting food out to vulnerable members of our community.”

“This brings our community food relief investments to more than $38 million since February 2020.”