Statement – Food Relief Grant

“I welcome any support for neighbourhood houses and the frontline services stepping in for families doing it tough during this cost-of-living crisis.

“But this latest funding announcement simply does not match the scale of the need.

“One local neighbourhood house has already confirmed it will be forced to make staff redundant because the funding received was only around a third of what was requested.

“This is happening at the very moment demand is skyrocketing and families are choosing between paying the power bill, covering rent, or putting food on the table.

“These organisations are the safety net for our communities, yet they are being stretched to breaking point and short-changed by this Government.

“Any investment in food relief is welcome, but it must be meaningful. These services are not asking for luxury, they are asking for what they need to make sure no family goes hungry.

“This announcement shows a growing gap between the Allan Labor Government’s spin and the reality on the ground, and it is vulnerable Victorians who are paying the price.”