Western Australia’s three largest food relief service providers were handed a lifeline over the weekend, with the State Government announcing a $3.8 million support package to help combat the massive spike in demand for these services in the wake of the global fuel crisis.
As the world grapples with the daily pendulum shifts in positive-negative news coming out of the Hormuz Strait, WA’s community services sector continues to be battered with surging costs to deliver vital services for those who need it most – including food supply.
The funding includes $1.5m to be split evenly between Foodbank, OzHarvest and SecondBite to help offset higher freight and logistics costs, while a $2.3m grants pool has been established to support community organisations already delivering food relief services and facing rising operational costs and demand pressures, which will be administered by WACOSS.
Fair Food WA Independent Chair Janine Freeman welcomed the funding which would further address food security in WA towards providing access to healthy and affordable food for all.
WACOSS Chief Executive Officer Louise Giolitto applauded the State Government for prioritising these services, saying it was a great first step in providing assistance to those who need it most amid this crisis.
“We are pleased the government has recognised food security as a top priority, especially in regional and Remote WA which is currently being hit the hardest,” she said.
“We are working hard with the government to get this grants program open in coming weeks and we look forward to sharing more about that in due course.
“We look forward to continue working with government to identify where priorities should be placed to deliver help for those doing it toughest right now.”