The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien is encouraging locals to give what they can to support local food relief providers as demand for the crucial services surges across the state.
Mr O’Brien said it was no surprise to learn that local food relief services are feeling the strain after a recent report from Foodbank, known as the Foodbank Hunger Report 2023 revealed that more than 10 per cent of Victorian households are accessing food relief services each month.
“The report details that 48 per cent of Victorian households are feeling anxious about the ability to consistently afford or access food,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Of those, 77 per cent reported that they were experiencing food insecurity for the first-time last year.”
Mr O’Brien said the Allan Labor Government must take responsibility for the cost-of-living crisis and take immediate action to reduce the burden on Victorian households and reverse the damage it has caused through its financial mismanagement.
“While ultimately the onus is on the government to fix the cost-of-living crisis that is hurting so many, I am encouraging those in a position to help others to do so by donating to our local food pantries and other food relief services.
“I have visited a number of local food relief providers and have seen first-hand the invaluable service they are offering to our community.
“Gippslanders have proved time and time again that they are able to rely on one another when times are tough, and I am sure this will be no different.”
Those needing help accessing food, or wanting to make a donation, are encouraged to visit www.foodbank.org.au/find-food or call Mr O’Brien’s office on 03 5144 1987 for help in identifying the closest food relief service.