Tasmanian families are struggling to put food on the table heading into what should be a joyous time of year.
Labor Member for Franklin Alison Standen says Will Hodgman must not turn his back on Tasmanians who need emergency food relief.
"Despite the Liberals' claims that Tasmanians are experiencing a golden age, wages are not keeping up with the cost of living, with electricity and rental costs going through the roof.
"Foodbank's latest Hunger Report 2019 shows an 18% increase in Tasmanians seeking food assistance. Alarmingly, 40% more food is required to meet demand.
"It's mean spirited in the extreme for Scott Morrison to implement funding cuts that will result in even more Tasmanians struggling to feed their families."
Ms Standen said Tasmania is the only state which does not have on-the-ground operations from all emergency food relief providers who receive funding from the Federal Government.
"Loaves and Fishes provides 70% of emergency food relief in Tasmania, preparing 5000 meals per week and servicing 220 community food programs and 38 school breakfast clubs with fresh produce.
"The cuts to Federal funding has forced their hand, and last week they announced their southern operations have ceased. That means their support for 134 community food programs is at an end and families are already feeling the impact.
"We're calling on Will Hodgman to stand up for Tasmanian families struggling to put food on the table. "He should be lobbying his Federal colleagues to reinstate funding for the organisations that make sure Tasmanians can access emergency food relief."
Alison Standen
Labor Member for Franklin
