The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring Victorian families in need can continue putting a meal on the table with the delivery of an extra 830,000 meals through community food relief programs.

Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers James Merlino today announced 16 organisations would share in $500,000 through the latest round of the Food Relief Financial Reserve grants.

This latest funding builds on the $3 million already delivered through the program, providing 1.5 million meals and 36 full-time food relief jobs.

The Labor Government has invested more than $39 million to expand community food relief across Victoria since February 2020.

This includes $3.5 million to establish five designated regional food relief hubs to increase food relief storage and distribution services in regional Victoria.

Working with Foodbank Victoria, the hubs will strengthen links with suppliers and coordinate efforts to get food to those who need it.

The Government has also strengthened the state’s community food relief system with the establishment of the Food Relief Taskforce, which coordinates food relief providers across the state.

The final grant round of the $6 million Food Relief Financial Reserve closes on 6 December. For further information and to apply, visit providers.dffh.vic.gov.au/community-food-relief.