NEW FEDERAL FUNDING TO EXPAND BENDIGO FOODSHARE CAPACITY

The funding is being delivered under Round 1 of the Growing Regions Program, which is providing around 500,000 and $15 million, the Growing Regions Program will support local government entities and incorporated not-for-profit organisations to deliver capital works projects in regional and rural Australia.

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT, REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT MINISTER CATHERINE KING:

"The Albanese Government is committed to investing in regional Australia to create jobs, build opportunity and unlock economic growth and productivity - making sure our regions remain great places to live, work and play.

"Our Growing Regions Program forms a key part of this commitment, by investing in critical community and economic infrastructure across regional and rural areas, in a fair and transparent way.

"I look forward to seeing the successful projects roll out across the nation, supporting employment, stimulating economies and strengthening communities."

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BENDIGO, LISA CHESTERS MP:

"I know there are people in the community doing it tough, and the team at Bendigo Foodshare do an amazing job to support those in the community facing food insecurity.
"That's why I am so pleased to announce this funding as part of the Federal Labor Government's Growing Regions Program.

"This funding will provide Bendigo Foodshare with the necessary resources to complete the fit out for their new Community Food Hub, which will expand their services to help even more Bendigo residents."

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO BENDIGO FOODSHARE CEO, MICHELLE MURPHY:

"We are so grateful to the Federal government for recognising the critical role Bendigo Foodshare have in providing food relief across Central Victoria.

"This significant injection of funds provides the final piece in our funding puzzle, enabling us to complete the fit-out of our new warehouse. The new facility will increase our capacity to rescue, store and distribute food and couldn't come at a more critical time when many people in regional areas are experiencing incredibly challenging times that sadly are pushing them into food poverty."