Member for Barker Tony Pasin has announced $100,000 in Federal Government Funding to support Foodbank’s Limestone Coast Food Hub in Mount Gambier.
The Limestone Coast Food Hub has distributed over 112,000kg of food equating to a quarter of a million meals worth $6200,00 in supermarket value since it’s opening in September 2017. In addition, the Hub provides a further 100,000kgs of food of which almost 40% is fresh fruit and veg, to local charities and community groups in the Limestone Coast to assist those in need. Over the past 3 years since the opening of the Food Hub in the warehouse, Foodbank has increased its distribution of food by more than 115%.
“In short, the Food Hub has outgrown its current facility and needs to expand. This funding will help make this happen so the invaluable service can support more people when they need it”
“The late Barry Maney OAM and his wife Shirley were instrumental in the establishment of this regional food hub and it is one of Barry’s great legacies. I’m thrilled that we can continue to honour this legacy by helping the organisation expand its services,” Mr Pasin said.
Foodbank SA Chair Simon Schrapel expressed his gratitude to Tony Pasin and the Federal Government for their support.
“Foodbank SA continues to play a pivotal role in the Limestone Coast community as it grows its presence to distribute more food to more people than ever before. This funding will be used to help purchase the facility from the current owners so we can expand the building. In particular we are seeking to expand our cool room and freezer capacity to accommodate more fresh fruit and veg and frozen products including meat and help to offset our operating costs with the installation of more solar panels. By being able to purchase the building Foodbank will be in a position to undertake these needed upgrades.”
“We’re very grateful to the generosity of the Federal Government and in particular the support of Tony Pasin as the local member for making this happen. The funding announced today, combined with the support of local donors and the Councils in the Limestone Coast region will enable Foodbank SA to purchase the current property this year and undertake the developments to allow us to further grow our services to the community,” said Mr Schrapel.
