- Published:
- Thursday 21 July 2022
The Andrews Labor Government is supporting families in need to get a meal on the table, with pop-up food relief markets springing up across Melbourne.
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Colin Brooks today announced a $1.25 million trial program, which responds to the increasing cost of living that is seeing more Victorians needing food relief – because no Victorian should worry about having enough to eat.
The pop-up markets will provide fresh, healthy and nutritious produce to people experiencing food insecurity in our community.
Organisations can apply for grants that will support them to provide food tailored to local cultural preferences across metropolitan Melbourne.
The program includes grants for small projects – up to $25,000 to run a minimum of four markets over a two-month period – and large projects – up to $85,000 for groups of organisations to run a minimum of 10 markets in partnership over six-months. The grants can be used by organisations to cover operating costs and food supplies.
The Labor government has invested more than $43 million to expand community food relief since February 2020. This includes a $6 million boost to the Food Relief Financial Reserve, which has provided 3.4 million meals to Victorians.
In addition to those investments, the $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 feed 140,000 Victorians in partnership with more than 470 charities each month.
Applications for the Pop-up Food Relief Market grants are open and close on Wednesday, 17 August 2022. Successful applicants will be announced in September.
To find out more information or to apply, visit www.vic.gov.au/pop-food-relief-market-grants(opens in a new window)
Quotes attributable to Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Colin Brooks
“We are ensuring our communities can provide nourishing meals for their families – because no Victorian should worry about having enough to eat.”
“With this assistance, food relief organisations across the state will be able to continue their important work getting food on the tables of those most in need in our community.”
“Every Victorian should have access to food and essential items, so it’s vitally important we continue to support food relief programs.”