Food Relief Funding For Neighbourhood Houses

Labor is backing Neighbourhood Houses across Victoria with dedicated food relief funding.

Right now, families are doing it tough.

The cost of groceries, fuel and bills are all adding up and some families are facing tough decisions.

That’s why the Victorian Budget 2026/27 delivers more than $8.5 million for food relief.

Minister Grigorovitch announced today that $2 million of this will be for Neighbourhood Houses to deliver food relief.

Neighbourhood Houses are trusted local hubs where people come to learn, connect and access support.

This funding will help them provide relief in the ways their communities need including food parcels, groceries, community meals and fuel vouchers.

The Budget also delivers $6 million for a third round of the Community Food Security Program.

Labor delivers more than $43 million every year through the Neighbourhood House Coordination Program.

This supports 16 Neighbourhood House networks and more than 400 neighbourhood houses, as well as the peak body Neighbourhood Houses Victoria.

Eligible organisations will be able to apply for funding through the grants program when applications open next month.

Quotes attributable to Carers and Volunteers Luba Grigorovich

“Neighbourhood houses are the heart of our local communities.”

“For a lot of Victorians, they’re the first place you go when life gets hard and the place you keep coming back to.”

“This funding will help Neighbourhood Houses keep putting food on the table for the people in their community who need it most.”

Quotes attributable to Neighbourhood Houses CEO Keir Paterson

“Neighbourhood Houses respond to the needs of their communities, and right now many of our communities are doing it tough. This investment recognises our vital community role as trusted places to go for support and connection.”