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Grants to boost food relief efforts in Yarram and Maffra to address growing food insecurity challenges across communities

Grants from the $4.5 million Community Food Relief Program support Yarram and Maffra Neighbourhood Houses, enhancing food pantry services, community gardens, and education programs to address growing food insecurity.

By news@gippsland - 6th January 2025 - Back to News

Communities facing food insecurity will have increased access to healthy food thanks to grants awarded through the Allan Labor government's Community Food Relief program. Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh today announced that Yarram Neighbourhood House and Maffra Neighbourhood House will be included in the latest round of grants.

Local Grants enhance the Community Food Relief Program addressing cost-of-living pressures with accessible, healthy, and culturally appropriate food

Community food grants

Yarram Neighbourhood House will receive $42,250 in the latest round of grants, allowing staff to buy food for community meals and food pantry programs, as well as improving pantry storage. Funds will also cover an expansion of the community gardens with new beds and shade structure for workshops, alongside volunteer training and community education.

$13,000 has been allocated to Maffra Neighbourhood House, also to expand their community garden, and purchase food to supplement donations for the food pantry and hampers. The Neighbourhood House will also be able to buy kitchen equipment to support community lunches and education programs.

Food relief funding

Community organisations and neighbourhood houses will receive up to $50,000 for individual projects and up to $75,000 for partnership projects to distribute fresh food and pantry staples. 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.

Since 2020, the Labor government has invested more than $56 million to strengthen Victoria's food relief system, including support for six Regional Food Shares. In addition, $3.3 million in operational funding is provided to Foodbank Victoria each year. To see the full list of funded projects, visit Victoria State Government website.

Local food relief

Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh said, "Our wonderful community organisations have local knowledge and connections, and these funds mean they can provide food relief where it's needed most."

Yarram Neighbourhood House Manager Cathy Cook said, "Cost-of-living has significantly increased the need for food relief in Yarram over the last year. This grant allows us to work with community organisations in town to streamline the services we provide."

Pictures from Tom McIntosh MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Bass Coast launches energy resilient hubs and emergency dashboard to strengthen community preparedness and recovery
  Bass Coast Shire Council has launched Energy Resilient Community Hubs and an Emergency Dashboard to boost preparedness, strengthen local resilience, and keep communities safe, connected, and supported during emergencies and power outages.
• Latrobe City allocates $7.3M surplus to key community infrastructure and improvement projects
  Latrobe City Council's $7.3 million surplus will fund key community projects, infrastructure upgrades, and maintenance, with $3.4 million reserved to leverage future State and Federal funding partnerships.
• Latrobe City Council invites residents to participate in 2026 Community Satisfaction Survey by phone on 16 February and 27 March 2026
  Latrobe City Council’s annual Community Satisfaction Survey will contact 400 households by phone, gathering confidential feedback to improve services and council performance across the city.
• Labor government delivers $2.73M Sale Hospital upgrade, modernising Community Services building for Gippsland healthcare staff
  The Allan Labor government is delivering a $2.73 million upgrade to Sale Hospital's historic Community Services Building, modernising facilities for healthcare workers, patients, and students through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.
• East Gippsland Council launches Buy Local campaign to support businesses, jobs, and community vibrancy this festive season and summer
  East Gippsland Shire Council has launched the Buy Local campaign, encouraging residents to support local businesses, strengthen jobs, and keep the community vibrant throughout the festive season and beyond.
• Darren Chester met Tom Harms in Canberra, praising his WorldSkills selection as testament to talent and community support
  Maffra apprentice Tom Harms will represent Australia in Electrical Installations at the 2026 WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, after excelling through national trials. Darren Chester praised his achievement as Gippsland talent showcased globally.
• Melina Bath urges safe driving, responsible camping across Eastern Victoria during busy Australia Day weekend celebrations
  Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath urges motorists to drive safely and campers to follow regulations during Australia Day weekend, respecting fire warnings, the environment, and local community events.
• Latrobe City Council to negotiate Old Methodist Church sale following community consultation and support heritage reuse
  Following community consultation, Latrobe City Council will negotiate the Old Methodist Church sale to Traralgon Historical Society, supporting heritage reuse and allocating $86,000 funding contingent on securing a VicTrack lease.
• South Gippsland immunisation sessions extended with extra times to support community after Leongatha Healthcare Centre closure
  Following Leongatha Healthcare Centre closure, immunisation sessions have been extended, offering full-range vaccines for children, adults, pregnant women, and at-risk groups, with extra times available for community bookings.
• East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors lead with vision, proving young voices shape community and lasting impact
  Eight months in, East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors are shaping the region's future, addressing key issues, leading projects, and gaining leadership skills that build confidence, community engagement, and long-term positive impact.
• East Gippsland children share ideas, hopes, and concerns to shape community and celebrate local voices through MFEG project
  Nearly 800 East Gippsland children shared ideas and concerns through the MFEG project, highlighting community connection, recreation, environment, and social care, with postcards now displayed across local towns.
• Danny O'Brien warns Bayside Health merger threatens Gippsland communities, confirming hidden health service consolidation
  Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's Bayside Health merger, warning it will reduce local hospital autonomy, limit community input, and risk services for Gippsland residents, prioritising bureaucratic cost-saving over patient care.
• Spring flows planned to support native fish migration and river health across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA's Environmental Water team is planning Spring river flows to support native fish migration, enhance river health, and balance environmental care with community enjoyment of waterways.
• Bass Coast Shire Council sets four-year strategic direction with refreshed Community Vision, Council Plan, and Annual Action Plan
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its refreshed Community Vision 2045, Council Plan 2025-2029, and Annual Action Plan, setting a community-shaped strategic direction celebrating the region’s diverse landscapes and values.
• Bass Coast Shire Council adopts 2024 - 2025 Annual Report, showcasing community achievements and future strategic direction
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2024 - 2025 Annual Report, celebrating achievements, community progress, and the completion of the 2021 - 2025 Council Plan while setting a new strategic direction for 2025-2029.