THE future of Shepparton Foodshare has received a positive commitment from the state Liberal-Nationals Coalition, who have promised $1M to build the organisation’s ‘forever home’ if elected in November.
Shepparton Foodshare chair, Jeremy Rensford welcomed the commitment, which he said would be suitable for getting the development underway.
“We’ve been doing our very best to raise money to be ready to go, so there is a healthy amount to get started — but you can’t build something for hundreds of thousands, it has to be millions,” he said.
“To get another step closer is huge for us. We spend considerable energy and time as a board on this issue.”
The $1M funding commitment will help deliver a fit-for-purpose facility that will allow Shepparton Foodshare to continue to distribute over 400,000kg of food to more than 100 registered agencies across six local government areas, ensuring that food relief is provided to the most vulnerable members of these communities.
Foodshare has relied on community support to stay viable year to year, and the lack of security has been the greatest risk facing the organisation. In April, local philanthropists Jim and Ange Andreadis donated land for its forever home, which helped Foodshare secure $600,000 in funding from the Federal Government.
Member for Northern Victoria, Wendy Lovell was joined by candidates Kim O’Keeffe and Cheryl Hammer who have all been long and passionate advocates for Shepparton Foodshare.
“Five years ago, we identified as a group that the biggest risk to Foodshare was that we didn’t have our own building, our own home,” said Ms Hammer, who served on the board from 2014 until this year.
“Cost of living is raised every single day even more. So, we need to be able to match those resources to meet those needs,” said Mrs O’Keeffe.
To support Shepparton Foodshare, get in touch on 0432 517 329 or email info@sheppartonfoodshare.org.au
