The Andrews Labor Government is delivering much-needed food relief to some of Melbourne’s most vulnerable by supporting community organisations to run suburban pop-up food markets.

The Labor Government has announced $1.24 million in grants for almost 30 community organisations across metropolitan Melbourne, making sure everyone in need has access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food for free or at low cost.

Member for Werribee Tim Pallas announced Wyndham Park Community Centre will receive a grant of $75,964 as part of the Labor Government’s support for community-based food relief.

The pop-up markets will provide a mix of nutritious fresh food, hot meals and cooking demonstrations and workshops to show people how to choose, prepare and make healthy meals.

The markets will support Victorians of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, social housing communities and people experiencing homelessness to connect over food and to share knowledge about cooking and growing nutritious food.

Grant recipients have each been allocated up to $85,000 to run up to ten pop-up food relief markets by April next year.

The Labor Government has provided more than $43 million to expand community food relief since February 2020, including a $6 million Food Relief Financial Reserve, which provided 3.4 million meals to Victorians.

A $5 million Community Food Relief Fund has helped ensure 93 community food relief organisations deliver more food relief to Victorians.

Every year, the Government also provides $3.7 million to Foodbank Victoria to provide food to 140,000 Victorians in partnership with more than 470 charities each month.

Quote attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“No Victorian should have to worry about having enough to eat. These pop-up markets are an innovative way to help Victorians who need it most put food on their table.”

“With the rising cost of living, the Labor Government – in partnership with vital community organisations – is making sure more people in need can access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food.”