Photo credit: Foodbank.
The State Government has committed a one-off food relief donation of $1.5 million to help families and vulnerable West Australians affected by the rise in cost of living.
Foodbank, OzHarvest and Second Bite will each receive $500,000 through the 2024-25 State Budget to help put more food on more tables and give struggling families access to higher quality produce.
SecondBite will purchase a new 13-tonne truck to expand its collection and delivery network within a three-hour radius of its metropolitan base, which will allow collection from a greater range of farm gate donation partners to increase the amount of food delivered to partner charities.
OzHarvest is building on its Food Rescue operations and will continue to work closely with more than 200 partner agencies and charities. This will ensure more fruit and vegetables are included in care hampers, to supplement existing rescued and non-perishable produce.
Foodbank is using its donation to enhance baseline protein supplies and close service supply gaps by dealing directly with distributors. This will see more meat products added to stock, while improving the nutritional quality of services offered.
The funding package is part of broader cost of living support for all West Australians including energy bill credits, free public transport, free or reduced TAFE training courses and the WA student assistance payment.
Read Minister for Community Services Hon. Sabine Winton’s media statement.
