The Nationals Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe, is pleased to see the commencement of construction on a new home for Shepparton Foodshare.
The new facility, located in Mooroopna, will serve as a base from which the organisation can continue its vital community work.
“As a volunteer at Foodshare for two years, I saw firsthand the need for the organisation to have a new home,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
While volunteering with Foodshare Ms O’Keeffe saw the incredible work the organisation plays in supporting the community’s most vulnerable.
“With the current cost of living crisis, there has never been a greater need for organisations like Foodshare. There are so many vulnerable people in our community, and my office is inundated with people needing support,” she said.
The new warehouse will feature loading facilities, an administration office, meeting rooms, storage space, a kitchen and amenities, and parking. These improvements will enable Foodshare to expand its capacity to meet the increasing demand for food relief across the region.
The project sees $600,000 funded federally and a $2.9 million contribution by the state.
“The commitment to the development of this new Foodshare site will most certainly make a difference for their ability to support the community,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
She also highlighted the continual need for community support for Foodshare.
“Foodshare does need donations and always depends on volunteers to continue their great work,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
Shepparton Foodshare is an essential community asset, distributing approximately 350,000 kilograms of food annually to a wide range of recipients, including emergency relief agencies, schools, community programs, and diverse cultural groups.
“The construction of the new facility is expected to create 18 jobs and is a significant investment in the infrastructure of community services in the Shepparton District,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“I urge the Treasurer Tim Pallas to recognise the role of community groups and organisations in our region and the critical need to provide adequate funding in the upcoming May budget so they can continue their great work.”