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 grants of $1.24 million will be provided to almost 30 community organisations across metropolitan Melbourne to ensure everyone in need has access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food for free or at low cost.
The pop-up markets will provide a mix of nutritious fresh food, hot meals and cooking demonstrations and workshops that show people how to choose, prepare and make healthy meals.
The markets will support people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, social housing communities and people who are homeless to connect over food and to share knowledge about cooking and growing nutritious food.
Among the recipients is Greenhills Neighbourhood House - which will work with partner organisations including Sustainable MacLeod and their Community Garden, Diamond Valley Community Services and Beales Road Farm - to deliver 10 pop-up markets to help migrant communities access free, healthy and culturally appropriate food.
St Anthony's Primary School in Noble Park, the Duke Street Community House Association partnership in Brimbank and Whittlesea Community Connections in Epping are also among the grant recipients.
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.
To view a full list of grant recipients, visit vic.gov.au/pop-food-relief-market-grantsExternal Link
As stated by Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Colin Brooks
"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."
Media contact: Emily Bourke | 0428 889 493 | [email protected]
