A vital safety net for vulnerable Territorians struggling to afford food has received a $1 million funding boost.
The Territory Labor Government has entered into a new funding agreement with Foodbank NT, which will now receive $2.4 million over the next five years.
Foodbank NT works with charity partners to provide heavily subsidised food to community members, charities, not-for-profit organisations, and schools across the Northern Territory.
Following the opening of a hub in Alice Springs, demand has almost doubled with the organisation now providing around 50,000 meals per month.
In 2021, one-in-six Australians reported not being able to afford food due to paying rent, being hit by large or unexpected bills, or simply due to low income.
Foodbank is the largest food relief organisation in Australia, providing seven million meals a month to 2600 charities and 2500 schools.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing and Homelands Selena Uibo:
"Foodbank NT provides one of the most vital safety nets to our community, ensuring vulnerable Territorians and their families don't go to sleep hungry.
"The Territory Labor Government has been a big supporter of Foodbank NT and this $1 million in additional funding responds to demand for this essential service.
"For any Territorian doing it tough and not knowing where their next meal is coming from, please reach out because help is there for you."
Quotes attributable to CEO Baptist Care NT Peter Chandler:
"The Foodbank NT service is crucial in addressing food security for children, families and communities in need across the Northern Territory.
"In the past 12 months, we've seen a huge increase in demand for our services with the number of meals we were providing per month raising from 30,000 to more than 50,000.
"I'm delighted the Northern Territory Government has recognised the importance of this program and provided additional funding so we can continue to meet community demand."
