The Allan Labor Government has announced an investment of $1.5 million to support the state’s six Regional Food Relief Hubs, including the Geelong Food Relief Centre, through the 2024-25 State Budget.

As the cost of living rises, this funding acknowledges the importance of reducing food insecurity for families in the Geelong community.

Geelong State Members of Parliament, Ella George, Member for Lara and Christine Couzens, Member for Geelong, visited the Geelong Food Relief Centre to announce the Allan Labor Government’s continued support.

The funding is part of our ongoing commitment to reduce food insecurity for families in our community.

Along with funding for the Geelong Food Relief Centre, in this Budget the Labor Government has announced grants for other community organisations tackling food insecurity, including:

• $1 million for a competitive grants program for state-wide food relief providers, to support partnerships between metro and regional providers and enhance coordination and distribution of food into regional Victoria;
• $1 million for a small grants program for community and volunteer-based organisations, to strengthen food security initiatives across the sector; and
• $2.5 million for grants to neighbourhood houses across the state, to support critical food relief initiatives.

The Geelong Food Relief Centre is a vital organisation that provides food aid services to those who are most vulnerable.

The Centre is staffed by a team of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to support the needs of those who are facing financial hardship and food insecurity.

We recognise the critical role that organisations like the Geelong Food Relief Centre play in supporting those in need, and we are committed to working together to address this pressing issue.

Quotes attributable to Alison Marchant, Member for Bellarine:

“I am very proud to support the great work Geelong Food Relief Centre do in providing food aid services for our most vulnerable and their assistance to food relief organisations across the Bellarine.”

“I thank all of the staff and volunteers working in the food relief space, who provide vital support for individuals and families in our region.”

Quotes attributable to Ella George, Member for Lara:

“With the cost of living impacting families across Geelong’s North, I’m proud that the Allan Labor Government is backing the Geelong Food Relief Centre to continue to provide food relief in our community.”

“We thank the team and volunteers at the Geelong Food Relief Centre for their incredible work and dedication to our community.”

Quotes attributable to Christine Couzens, Member for Geelong:

“We know that many in the community are doing it tough with cost of living pressures. That’s why the Allan Government continues to support organisations like the Geelong Food Relief Centre. Their staff and volunteers do a great service in assisting financially vulnerable people in the Geelong community.”