Victorians experiencing food insecurity will have greater access to free, nutritious food thanks to the Carroll Labor Government.
We’re investing $9.5 million through the 2026-27 Community Food Security Program to transform how food relief is delivered across Victoria.
168 organisations will share in $7 million through the Local Grants stream.
Among the recipients is The Big Umbrella, which will use the funding to to purchase a refrigerated vehicle to safely transport meals to its innovative network of 7 EAT.ATMs, providing discreet, convenient and 24/7 access to food for individuals and families in need.
Designed to reduce barriers and stigma associated with seeking support, the EAT.ATMs make it easier for Victorians to access essential food close to home, when they need it most.
The grants will help charities like The Big Umbrella continue delivering dignified, accessible food relief to Victorians who need it most.
Other funded initiatives include:
- Common Ground Project on the Surf Coast, delivering food education and cooking programs for migrant and refugee women.
- Asylum Seeker Resource Centre and Family Access Network, providing food relief to asylum seekers, young people and families facing hardship.
- Enjoy Community Inc and Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place, expanding access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food across Victorian communities.
Through the $2.5 million Coordination Fund, nine additional organisations including The Community Grocer, SecondBite | FareShare, Alex Makes Meals, and Foodbank Victoria will receive funding to strengthen food relief services across Victoria.
The investment will support initiatives including food rescue, social supermarkets, meal production, affordable fresh food access and improved coordination to help meet growing demand.
As stated by Minister for Carers and Volunteers Luba Grigorovitch
“Community organisations like The Big Umbrella are finding new and effective ways to support Victorians doing it tough, and we’re proud to back their efforts.”
“As cost-of-living pressures continue to affect many households, initiatives such as EAT.ATMs are helping ensure more Victorians can access essential food relief close to home.”
As stated by The Big Umbrella
“The EAT.ATM model is designed to remove barriers to food relief and make support available when and where people need it. This funding will help us expand our impact and ensure more individuals and families can access nutritious food with dignity and respect.”
“In the lead up to the festive season, we want to ease the pressure on people and families so they don’t need to worry about where their next meal will come from.”
