Get behind our Feed Victoria Appeal in 2019

More than four million ordinary Australians couldn’t afford to feed their families at some point last year. Leader Community News is committed to helping them — are you?

FareShare chief executive Marcus Godinho and Feed Appeal chief executive Katherine Gokavi-Whaley in the FareShare kitchen. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Over the past decade our Feed Melbourne Appeal has raised more than $5 million, given grants to 280 food charities and helped thousands of Victorians.

Now we’ve set our sights on the bigger picture.

More than four million ordinary Australians couldn’t afford to feed themselves or their families at some point last year.

And almost two-thirds of charities surveyed across the country said they could not keep up with the demand for help, a 2018 Foodbank Australia report revealed.

This year we are launching the Feed Victoria Appeal, part of a new national Feed Appeal fundraiser across our sister community papers in other states and territories.

Our ambitious goal is that no Australian goes hungry.

St Kilda Gatehouse received a $12,229 Feed Melbourne Appeal grant in 2018 to help them buy a van. Pictured is support worker Fiona Cowan. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Charities can apply for grants of up to $50,000 — up from our previous maximum $15,000 — to help fund vans and cool rooms.

Alternatively they can apply for grants of up to $25,000 for things such as fridges, freezers and kitchen equipment.

And, although we have given funds to charities outside greater Melbourne in the past, this year we also have special grants for rural and regional food relief programs.

But in order to keep these charities going strong we need your help.

Just 50c can provide a meal for someone in need.

Feed Appeal chief executive Katherine Gokavi-Whaley said all money raised in Victoria would stay in the state and benefit food banks and community meals programs in your neighbourhood.

HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED IN THE FEED VICTORIA APPEAL

FareShare chief executive and appeal co-founder Marcus Godinho said he was grateful the public had rallied behind Feed Melbourne.

“The gratitude of charities and the vulnerable people they support is heartwarming and drives us to help as many groups as possible. It’s super exciting to know communities in other states will now benefit,” he said.

“Donations also helped FareShare set up a kitchen in Melbourne where 600 people volunteer every week to cook 30,000 free, nutritious meals for people doing it tough.”

News Corp Australia community ambassador Penny Fowler said she was proud the company’s publications around the country were getting behind the appeal.

CareWorks SunRanges received a $5500 Feed Melbourne Appeal grant last year. Pictured is volunteer Jo Vasallo. Picture: Rob Leeson.

“We are proud to be supporting a campaign that empowers local charities to help those less fortunate,” she said.

MORE: CHILD HOMELESSNESS ‘OUR NATIONAL SHAME’

THE WEBSITE THAT HELPS FAMILY VIOLENCE VICTIMS ESCAPE

FEED MELBOURNE APPEAL TO GO NATIONAL

“The Feed Appeal will help everyday Australian families who rely on food charities in their local community. I encourage you to donate to this worthy cause.”

Newman’s Own Foundation has been supporting the Feed Melbourne Appeal since 2017 and was proud to back its national expansion.

Foundation chief executive Robert Forrester said the appeal was effective because it did not offer a one-size fits all solution to hunger and recognised the hard work and experience of community charities on the frontline.

You can help people in your community by donating to the Feed Victoria Appeal here.