Extended foodbank funding to help regional NSW

Charities in rural and regional NSW that receive food supplies from Foodbank NSW & ACT (Foodbank), will not have to pay a transport fee per delivery thanks to the NSW Liberals and Nationals in Government committing another $630,000 in funding.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro announced the continuation of funding for one year while visiting Anglicare in Queanbeyan today.

“This funding support will mean charities in regional and rural areas who are doing it tough due to the extended and ongoing drought will not be slugged additional transport fees for the food supplies that feed our most vulnerable, this is a vital service and we are committed to it.

“By helping Foodbank in this way, regional charities will now have more money in their pockets to buy more food, and in turn, deliver food relief for more people in need,” he said.

Foodbank NSW & ACT CEO Gerry Andersen said the extension of support from the NSW Government means that more money can be put towards food supplies, instead of transport costs.

“More than 35 per cent of the food distributed by Foodbank NSW & ACT is delivered to charities located in regional NSW,” Mr Andersen said.

“Last year, Foodbank NSW & ACT delivered more than 4,000 tonnes of food to our regional charity partners, which equates to 7.6 million meals.

“Despite these deliveries, those charities need a whopping 41 per cent more to meet demand.

“This support from the NSW Government means on average, our regional charity partners will have an extra $150 every week to put towards food supplies, instead of covering transport costs.

“We applaud the NSW Government for extending commitment to the equal support of regional and city charities, ensuring no one in NSW is disadvantaged simply because of where they live,” he said.