Red Cross in Victoria is working with the Victorian Government and other key partners (including Foodbank) to get food and essential supplies to people most in need and required to self-isolate due to COVID-19.
The scheme, introduced by the Victorian Government today and commencing from Monday 23 March, is designed to get emergency relief packages to people required to self-isolate, who have little or no food, and no network of family and friends to support them.
Our main role is to work behind scenes to help coordinate the provision of food and essential supplies to people. This means co-designing logistic arrangements that connects all partners – including government, not-for-profits and supermarkets – so emergency relief supplies can get to people most in need.
Red Cross is committed to working as part of a co-ordinated state-wide relief team involving a number of agencies and partners, including the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, Emergency Management Victoria, Foodbank Victoria, Australia Post and Select'd.
"This is a collective effort and requires government, agencies and business to come together. During these extraordinary times, it is encouraging and helpful to see so many people working to support the people most in need in our communities," said Kate Siebert, Red Cross Victorian State Manager Emergency Services.
People living in Victoria who wish to register for the service are requested to ring the Victorian Government COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 675 398.
Support is available from tomorrow and can only be accessed by calling this number. The Hotline can also refer people to other support services – including psychosocial support - if needed.
More details on the emergency relief packages for Victoria »
Advice and tips on preparing for COVID-19 »
Please note: Red Cross does not itself have food and essential supplies and will not be able to provide food support outside these state-based arrangements. Please also note that Red Cross state-wide emergency management responsibilities vary on a state by state basis and Australian Red Cross is currently only providing this service in Victoria.
