The Allan Labor Government is delivering real support to more Victorian families so they can put food on the table with new grants to boost local food relief efforts across the state.
Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence today announced applications are open for the $9 million 2025-26 Community Food Relief Program – doubling the funding from last year to make sure help is reaching those who need it most.
Funding will support food relief services across local communities – tackling food insecurity and easing cost-of-living pressures for families doing it tough with two grant streams.
Coordination Grants of up to $300,000 are available for large-scale food relief organisations, and Local Grants of up to $100,000 are open for grassroots organisations, such as neighbourhood houses and social enterprises, that deliver culturally appropriate, healthy food to the communities they know best.
The program is already making a real difference – last year, four major Coordination Grants were distributed, and 112 Local Grants supported food relief efforts across 58 local government areas, helping local organisations respond directly to the needs of their communities.
Since 2020, the Labor Government has invested more than $74 million in food relief and food security – including $18 million in the Victorian Budget 2025/26 to boost access to healthy food and strengthen community support services across the state.
Applications close on 5 August 2025 for Coordination Grants and 19 August 2025 for Local Grants. For more information and how to apply, visit providers.dffh.vic.gov.au/community-food-relief.