Food relief fight back

Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy, said that the Victorian Government must guarantee genuine support for vital food relief programs in regional areas amid concerns smaller communities are missing out.

He said the government must ensure a fair distribution of funds by Foodbank Victoria so regional programs, such as Moria FoodShare, are not forgotten.

“Moira FoodShare provides vital emergency assistance through the distribution of free fresh and non-perishable food to residents in the Moira and Berrigan Shires,” Mr McCurdy said.

“In the last financial year Moira FoodShare distributed the equivalent of over 200,000 kilograms of food, through the support of one part-time co-ordinator and 50 passionate volunteers.

“I visited Moira FoodShare in Cobram last year with my colleague and The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad, where we saw firsthand the incredible work that James and the team do, providing food to individuals and families who need it most.

“With the ongoing cost of living crisis crippling families, the need for food relief continues to grow, and whilst funds are being allocated to Foodbank Victoria, the support is not filtering through to our smaller rural communities.”

Ms Broad raised the issue in Parliament recently, saying not all areas are covered by the Regional Food Security Alliance, and smaller areas like Moira FoodShare are missing out.

“They are looking to find 250 patrons to donate every month to help them buy much needed supplies, and I commend them for this work,” Ms Broad said.

“However, the truth is that the State Government must step up and taken action to ensure that Foodbank Victoria delivers support beyond the big cities and provides a fair share to smaller communities in northern Victoria as well.”

MHA Care FoodShare Coordinator James Rouel said across the Moira and Berrigan shires, MHA FoodShare is averaging around 4000 distributions a month, 1000 a week.

“When I started about two and a half years ago we were doing about 800 distributions a month so it has increased four fold in that short space of time,” Mr Rouel said.

“It is scary really. We have seen it steady out at about 4000-4500 people across the last six to 12 months but it is a worry that it has increased that much in that space of time and we are trying to assist them as much as we can.”

Mr Rouel said the Mission 250 that MHA FoodShare had to invent themselves to ensure steady income is moving along pretty steady with the last count early last week, having 125 participants.

“We are halfway there which is fantastic,” Mr Rouel said.

“Our aim is to get 250 by June next year so we know we have that stable income next financial year to buy more food.

“We are on the right track which is fantastic. With not as much help out of Melbourne and state level, we have really had to focus on our local communities and asking then for help. They have definitely jumped on board in every single way.

“It is really frustrating that we are not being provided more help from Melbourne. We continue to fight for our fair share.

“I have been in contact with Mr McCurdy and Ms Broad daily as well as Georgie Purcell from the Animal Justice Party and also Wendy Lovell, and their support has been fantastic.

“It seems we have every single party agreeing with us except the ones in power.

“We are in the food bowl of the state where a lot of the food is made right here so we believe we should be entitled to our share of funds as well.

“Your level of support should not depend on your postcode.”

With Christmas just around the corner, and many families on the brink of going without this festive season, Mr Rouel said donations of any kind are appreciated.

“People who would like to donate some funds just around Christmas for the hampers or non-perishable items are definitely welcome to do so,” Mr Rouel said.

“Just call into the Yarrawonga shop at 1 Hargreaves Court and speak to our lovely volunteers as donations are very happily accepted.”