The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring food aid is accessible for all Victorians in need during the coronavirus pandemic with the establishment of a specialist Food Relief Taskforce.

Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan today announced that senior representatives of the food relief sector, peak bodies and key government officers will form the Food Relief Taskforce to advise on key strategies and initiatives to strengthen Victoria’s food relief system.

The announcement follows the rollout of the Government’s $5 million Community Food Relief Fund, which provided one-off grants to 93 community sector agencies supplying food to vulnerable Victorians during the pandemic.

In addition, the Labor Government is allocating $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 community food relief grants and regional food hubs are part of the more than $25 million the Labor Government has provided since February 2020 to expand food relief across Victoria.

This is on top of the Government’s 2018 election commitment to invest $10 million to establish two new Foodbank Hubs in Morwell and Ballarat – which have both been delivered.

In recognition of the logistics and transport challenges in the food relief system, Victorian Transport Association Chief Executive Officer Peter Anderson has been appointed the Independent Chair of the Taskforce.

Mr Anderson’s expertise in transport and logistics will be invaluable in building a stronger and more responsive food relief system. He has worked in freight movement for private businesses, and more recently Victoria’s peak transport industry representative group.

For more information on the Food Relief Taskforce and to view the list of member organisations, please visit dhhs.vic.gov.au/community-inclusion-and-food-relief-coronavirus-covid-19.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan

“We have invested in our food relief system so that Victorians in need can get fresh, healthy food when they need it.”

“The Food Relief Taskforce will be instrumental in ensuring our food relief system is effective and reaching all Victorians struggling to put food on the table.”