More Meals For Families in Macedon

No one should go hungry, which is why the Allan Labor Government is delivering more support for food relief in Macedon.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas today announced the local organisations that will share in $9 million through the Community Food Relief Program, doubling the program’s funding this year to deliver fresh and nutritious food right across Victoria.

Across Victoria, the program boosts supply for large-scale food relief organisations and supports volunteers on the frontline. Seven Coordination Grants will help major providers expand services, while 126 Local Grants will strengthen grassroots support.

The local food relief organisations to receive the grants are:
Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre will receive $89,000 to establish a commercial kitchen which will deliver weekly food relief in partnership with the Good Grub Club, and deliver cultural food education workshops, and organise school programs.

Health Futures Australia, based in Lyonville, will receive $68,500 to deliver nutritious school lunches at priority socio-educationally disadvantaged schools across Ballarat. The grant will include kitchen team wages, purchase of ingredients, volunteer management costs which include training and development.

Woodend Neighbourhood House will receive $22,500 to train volunteers, purchase digital tools for improved data accuracy and reporting, along with supplies for a new on-site community garden which will grow culturally appropriate produce that meets growing demand and enhances service delivery.

The Victorian Budget 2025/26 delivers $18 million to expand food relief right across Victoria – bringing our total investment in food security to more than $74 million.
A full list of Local Grants recipients is available at vic.gov.au/community-food-relief-program-local-grants.

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A full list of Coordination Grant recipients is available at vic.gov.au/community-food-relief-program-coordination-grants.‍

Quote attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
“These grants will deliver much needed food relief to those who need it, and provide a helping hand for locals in need, so they can get back on their feet.”

“We know our wonderful community organisations have the local knowledge and connections to best understand and respond to local needs, and to provide food relief where it’s needed most.”

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