The Victorian Government is strengthening food relief services across Wyndham, ensuring healthy food reaches Victorians in need.

Wyndham City Salvation Army will receive a grant of $22,000 as part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to ensuring all Victorians have access to fresh, healthy food.

The $5 million Community Food Relief Fund is part of the recently announced $11.3 million investment to boost food relief activities for vulnerable Victorians.

The package builds on $7.4 million already announced earlier this year to expand food relief operations and deliver more free and nutritious meals, which is creating 119 new food relief jobs.

Wyndham City Salvation Army will use the money for the Wyndham City Outdoor Cafe Agape so that Wyndham community members can get access to the food they need.

Re-opening Wyndham City Salvation Army’s face to face food based activities in a Covid Safe manner from November 2020 will require a shift to the outdoor delivery of services on the Corps property in Werribee.

Funding is sought for the provision of appropriate outdoor furniture and equipment to allow the Café and Market’s operation in a Covid Safe manner. Outdoor service delivery will also require the relocation/reconfiguration of current waste disposal and outdoor storage areas and the construction of a ramp for safe service at the rear of the property and a large awning to provide for wet-weather service as necessary.

The local project receiving funding is one of 93 organisations across the state that are being supported thanks to the Community Food Relief Fund.

The 93 projects will enable food relief organisations to provide an additional 2,000,000 meals and 180,000 food hampers to Victorians in need.

In addition to the Community Food Relief Fund, the Victorian Government is also investing in the network of food distribution hubs in regional areas, with $3.5 million to strengthen the link between suppliers and those experiencing food insecurity.

A Food Relief Taskforce is also being established to bring together key industry leaders and representatives from all tiers of government to ensure food supply and distribution is coordinated and targeted to areas most in need.

For more information on the Community Food Relief Fund and to see all recipients, please visit https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/community-inclusion-and-food-relief-coronavirus-covid-19.

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“These grants willl make a real difference for local community members who are struggling to put food on the table.”

“We’re making sure our local food relief system is be able to support people when and where they need it.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan

“Every Victorian deserves access to fresh and healthy food – wihich is why we’re boosting resources for communitybased food relief services.”

“We’re working with the food relief sector to enhance coordination and ensure that food relief is targeted to locations in need.”