Families in the Maitland area will have access to essential food items thanks to a $10,000 grant awarded to Maitland Family Support Inc. from energy provider, Jemena.
The funding will help sustain Maitland Family Support Inc.'s Food Is Life (FIL) program, which delivers fresh food, pantry staples, and essential supplies to families in, and around, Woodberry, one of the most disadvantaged suburbs in the Maitland LGA, over the next six months.
Maitland Family Support Inc. Executive Manager, Sheena Harvey, said the grant ensures the program's immediate future.
"Thanks to Jemena's generous support, Food Is Life will continue boosting food security, improving childhood nutrition, and strengthening community connection. It's a simple, community-led program that makes a big impact, as the program will reach more than 3,500 people, including many young children in the next half year"
Now in its seventh year, Jemena's Community Grants Program has already provided about $870,000 in funding to 85 community groups. This includes $70,000 awarded earlier this year to initiatives supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
For its second round of grants in 2025, Jemena invited applications for initiatives that address disadvantage from not-for-profit organisations, schools, and charities delivering projects across Jemena's footprint. Pleasingly, this year, 16 community groups will share in over $163,000 of funding.
Craig Ypinazar, Jemena's Executive General Manager, People, Safety and Governance said the company was committed to supporting the most vulnerable in the communities in which it operates.
"Local volunteer organisations are at the heart of their communities. We can see from the type of applications we received that cost of living is still a major concerns for many in our community. These grants can go some way towards assisting those who really need it." Mr Ypinazar said.
"This year we have provided assistance to a range of different services including food programs, multicultural outreach programs, and an animal rescue that supports disadvantaged pet owners, especially those escaping domestic and family violence."
