The future of Shepparton Foodshare will be ensured with an elected Matt Guy Liberals and Nationals Government committing $1 million to build the organisation's 'forever home'.
Foodshare partners with supermarkets and businesses across the state to provide nutritious food to those in need within the local community.
The $1 million commitment will help deliver a state of the art, fit-for-purpose facility that will allow Shepparton Foodshare to continue to distribute more than 400,000 kilograms of food to more than 100 registered agencies across six local government areas, ensuring that food relief is provided to the most vulnerable members of these communities.
Critically, the days of the Andrews Labor Government ignoring Shepparton Foodshare's long-term accommodation plight will end, with the Liberals and Nationals supporting the organisation to continue their vital work in the community.
The announcement was made by the Liberal Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell together with the Liberal Candidate for Shepparton Cheryl Hammer and The Nationals Candidate for Shepparton Kim O'Keeffe at the current Shepparton Foodshare site.
Ms Lovell, Ms Hammer and Ms O'Keeffe have all been long and passionate advocates for Shepparton Foodshare.
Ms Lovell has continuously advocated for the funding in State Parliament while Ms Hammer is a former board member and long-time volunteer of the organisation. Ms O'Keeffe has supported the cause through her time on local council and having volunteered during Covid.
Member for Northern Victoria, Wendy Lovell, said the future of Foodshare would be secured.
"This $1 million commitment from an elected Matt Guy Liberal National Coalition Government will allow Shepparton Foodshare to build its 'forever home' and continue its vital work in the region," Ms Lovell said.
"Labor has continuously ignored all calls to fund a new facility and I am proud that a Matt Guy Liberals and Nationals Government will deliver for Foodshare so it can continue to provide vital assistance to our most vulnerable community members."
Liberal Candidate for Shepparton, Cheryl Hammer, said the announcement came after many years of championing the cause.
"Today is a proud day for so many locals, me included," Ms Hammer said.
"I've seen firsthand the impact that Foodshare has on the Shepparton community, and this commitment will secure its forever home once and for all."
The Nationals Candidate for Shepparton, Kim O'Keeffe, said more than 20 local volunteers give up their time each and every week to help those in need.
"Foodshare is a great example of how the Shepparton community comes together to support the less fortunate in our region," Ms O'Keeffe said.
"With our commitment, we hope more locals will put their hand up and get on board this great local cause."
