Monday 16 December 2019

More families and community members in need across Baw Baw Shire will have access to emergency food relief, thanks to $48,500 in funding from the Andrews Labor Government’s Pick My Project initiative.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing praised the work of the Baw Baw Combined Churches Food Relief program, which can now expand its operations for members of the community in need of support.

The new funding will enable the program to support an increasing number of families who rely on the valuable service by expanding the food storage space, refurbishing the adjacent factory unit and purchasing of a new commercial fridge.

In 2018, the program helped over 840 families struggling with the cost of living and that figure is expected to grow to almost 1,000 families seeking assistance throughout 2019.

The funding boost will not only increase the community’s immediate access to emergency food relief, but also ensures the program continues longer term. This is thanks to improved amenities for the volunteers who give up their time to support those in need in their community.

Pick My Project is an Andrews Labor Government first – a $30 million participatory budgeting initiative that puts decision making in the hands of Victorians.

The Sustainable food relief for families in the Baw Baw Shire project is one of 22 successful projects from the Pick My Project initiative in the Gippsland region.

The region received more than $2.40 million in funding through the initiative, after a total of 17,537 votes were cast.

Other projects in the Gippsland region include upgrades to the Mirboo North Splash Park, the purchase of a mobile stage for the Boolarra Folk Festival and a community compost site for Fish Creek.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“The Sustainable food relief for families in the Baw Baw Shire is a wonderful initiative to support people who are facing hardship in our community, and the Victorian Government is proud to support their work through the Pick My Project initiative.”

“The Government is proud to support the Baw Baw Combined Churches Food Relief program in growing their ability to help more families and individuals in need across Warragul and the surrounding area.”