Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP, today officially opened the new Colac and District Community Foodshare, which received $84,000 in funding support from the Andrews Labor Government.
The Colac Foodshare will distribute rescued food to partner organisations across the Colac Otway Shire, that in turn then deliver the food to community kitchens, breakfast and lunch programs as well as food relief for vulnerable people.
Ms Tierney said this important service will play an integral part of a network of existing foodshares that operate between Geelong and Warrnambool.
The Foodshare will operate as a community development model where only community organisations can access the food at low or no cost.
Foodshare, which provides volunteer and training opportunities for community members, will redirect resources to new services, projects and programs.
Project partners that have been planning the Colac Foodshare for two years, include: Food Bank Victoria, St Laurence Community Services, Colac Community Enterprise, Bendigo Bank, Colac Otway Shire, South West Community Foundation, Regional Development Victoria and the Department of Health and Human Services.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP
“The Andrews Labor Government is proud to launch the Colac and District Community Foodshare today which is a service that will go a long way to helping people across the Colac Otway Shire.
“The establishment of the Colac and District Community Foodshare was supported with an $84,000 grant from Regional Development Victoria.”
“Today’s announcement will strengthen the effectiveness of a regional approach to the foodshare program and food security across the Barwon South West Region.”