Funding boost for Foodbank Australia

Foodbank Australia will be able to deliver more food to Australians in need thanks to a $300,000 funding boost from the Australian Government.

The Minister for Community Services, Julie Collins, announced the extra funding today at the Risdon Vale Neighbourhood Centre in Tasmania.

“I am pleased to announce additional Commonwealth funding to support Foodbank Australia in its efforts to provide a cost-effective supply of food and groceries to community organisations across the country,” Ms Collins said.

“For every $1 we invest, we know Foodbank is working with businesses to manufacture $7 worth of food – food that makes it way to Australians who might otherwise go hungry.

“This $300,000 funding injection builds on Labor’s significant investment in Emergency Relief which we have almost doubled to $60 million a year since coming to office in 2007.”

Last year, Foodbank provided food and grocery supplies to 2,500 not-for-profit organisations across Australia including emergency relief providers and delivered 24 tonnes of food to Australians in need.

“On the ground that is equivalent to about 88,000 meals a day and goes some way to meeting the need for essential foods like vegetables, fruit and milk,” Ms Collins said.

“In Tasmania, Foodbank distributes food and groceries to 198 community organisations including Colony 47, Anglicare, Unitingcare, Hobart Women’s Shelter, Hobart City Mission, the Salvation Army and Launceston City Mission.

“This extra funding will help ensure vulnerable families and individuals across Australia can get essential food and groceries – including an additional 18,000 kilograms for Tasmanians in need.”

The Australian Government is investing a total of $3.6 million in Foodbank Australia in the three years to 2014.