Wednesday, 15 May 2024

 Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (14:24): It is a privilege to update the house on the Allan Labor government’s commitment to supporting community food relief right across Victoria. With the cost of living continuing to put pressure on households, we know that the food relief sector is experiencing unprecedented demand. That is why we are investing an additional $6 million into food relief in the 2024–25 state budget, building on our investment of more than $56 million since 2020 to deliver food to Victorians in need.

Last week I was pleased to visit Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood House to see the great work they are doing to provide food relief and to announce the $2.5 million grants package we are delivering to neighbourhood houses that provide food relief. We know that neighbourhood houses provide a wide range of critical services, and this funding will enable them to continue to distribute food across their local communities.

Our government is also providing further support to boost the provision of food relief in the regions. As the members for Lara, Geelong and Bellarine will be pleased to hear, we are investing $1.5 million into the state’s six regional food relief hubs so that they can continue their essential work of helping regional Victorians when and where they need it most.

Finally, through this budget we are investing $1 million in a competitive grants program for statewide food relief providers and a further $1 million in a grants program for community and volunteer led organisations to strengthen food relief initiatives across the sector, because this government is committed to supporting access to food relief for those in need and this investment will do just that. I thank all involved for providing food relief services right across our state.