BOOST FOR FOOD RELIEF IN NORTHCOTE

Local families facing food insecurity will have increased access to healthy, fresh food thanks to grants awarded through the Allan Labor Government’s Community Food Relief Program.

Member for Northcote, Kat Theophanous today announced funding for Alphington Community Centre and Darebin Information Volunteer & Resource Service (DIVRS) to help address food insecurity and strengthen food relief initiatives in the electorate.

The $4.5 million Community Food Relief Program includes Local Grants announced today, and Coordination Grants announced in October, helping to respond to the rising demand for food relief amid cost-of-living pressures experienced by individuals and families.

Grants will boost the capacity of local community organisations to provide food relief, through expanding food relief activities, facility upgrades, support and upskilling of volunteers and delivering initiatives that address the underlying causes of food insecurity.

Grants in Northcote include:

Alphington Community Centre – $35,200 to introduce community dinners and lunches, complementing their existing food relief programs supported by a community garden and urban orchard.

Darebin Information Volunteer & Resource Service (DIVRS) – $42,452 to increase the supply of fresh, healthy food through their existing food-sharing program, and strengthen partnerships to improve local food relief and donations.

Since 2020, the Labor Government has invested more than $56 million to strengthen Victoria’s food relief system, including support for six Regional Foodshares.

In addition, $3.3 million in operational funding is provided to Foodbank Victoria each year, as well as $10 million to support the establishment of Foodbank’s community food centres in Morwell and Ballarat.

To see the full list of funded projects, visit vic.gov.au/community-food-relief-program-local-grants.

Quotes attributable to Kat Theophanous, Member for Northcote

“Every meal shared, and every pantry stocked is a testament to the strength and compassion of our local communities. These grants are not just about food relief – they’re about dignity, connection, and ensuring no one in our inner north community has to go without.”

“In times of rising costs Darebin Information Volunteer & Resource Service (DIVRS) and Alphington Community Centre are stepping up to do what they do best – supporting those who need it most. This funding helps to expand that incredible work, ensuring fresh, healthy food is within reach for every family in Northcote.”