Shepparton FoodShare will be one step closer to a forever home if the Victorian Coalition forms government in November, with the Liberals and Nationals pledging $1 million towards building a permanent facility.
For nine years, FoodShare has operated out of a Mooroopna warehouse owned by Geoffrey Thompson, but has long sought a permanent base that it would owned itself.
Earlier this year Shepparton philanthropist Jim Andreadis donated land in Mooroopna to FoodShare to build a permanent base of operations.
Since then the organisation has been fundraising to build the facility, and secured a Federal Government grant.
Shepparton FoodShare chair Jeremy Rensford said the $1 million pledge from the Coalition would be enough to begin the build.
“We're very passionate about what we do, and we need a home to do what we do,” Mr Rensford said.
“We've been frustrated. I hate to say that we've still been waiting to get over the line.
“Hopefully this election season we can get over the line. We want to thank the Coalition for what you’re offering us because my patience is wearing a bit thin.”
Mr Rensford also thanked the “brilliant” volunteers who kept FoodShare running.
State Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell said it was a “very, very special announcement” to make on Monday.
She said the commitment was made last election, and was being made again because of how important it was to the community.
“We want to see FoodShare get this facility built as soon as possible so they have that security and security of tenure,” Ms Lovell said.
“What I found over the last eight years of raising this in Parliament is that Labor has not been interested in actually seeing this come to fruition.”
Liberal candidate for Shepparton Cheryl Hammer, who is a board member at FoodShare, said the organisation needed a long-term home.
“We’re hoping this will go a long way to getting the build started and making sure FoodShare is well and truly on the map,” Ms Hammer said.
“We'd like a community or a society where we don't have to rely on FoodShare, but the fact is, the demand for food and food security is actually growing.”
Nationals candidate for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe said FoodShare rose to prominence during lockdown but had been doing important work for much longer.
“Shepparton was highlighted as a successful way to support communities during lockdown and FoodShare played a major part in that,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“They do incredible work and are expanding, and the need is expanding. This announcement will help so many people in this community.
“We’re so proud of how many people are actually involved in FoodShare and I take my hat off to volunteers.”