What we are seeking
We are advocating for the Victorian Government to extend annual $100,000 funding to support local food agencies to meet the growing demand of families needing emergency relief.
We are also asking the Victorian Government for an annual investment of $50,000 for each of the 4 key food and material aid organisations for storage requirements in a dedicated warehouse space.
Alternatively, we are asking the Victorian Government to fund $1.1 million to purchase a warehouse that can support a number of food and material aid organisations with storage needs.
What it will deliver
Access to storage and funding for necessary equipment to deliver food relief services will enable the 4 local relief agencies to provide for the growing number of residents who are contacting them. These agencies note that every $10 they spend on food provides a $95 value to the community.
What you can do
To help us deliver this priority, you can write to our Lower House Member of Parliament for this electorate or any of our Upper House Members of Parliament for their commitment to deliver funding for this project.
Overview
Emergency and food relief agencies have good access to food, but they are restricted in the support they can provide because they of limited storage space.
Access to suitable storage will enable agencies to keep on hand the items that community members need, and fulfil emergency requests from families facing chronic food insecurity.
Local emergency and food relief demands have increased by over 200% between 2019 and 2022, but organisational funding during this time has remained stagnant.