Cool deal inked for fresh food

Moira FoodShare co-ordinator James Rouel said the deal was a game-changer for the communities the organisation supports.

“This is a huge win—not just for Moira FoodShare, but for every rural town, every family struggling to put fresh food on the table, and every small food relief service fighting to make a difference,” Mr Rouel said.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Foodbank Victoria for listening and taking action.

“Fresh, nutritious food is often the hardest to access in rural areas. Losing our refrigerated supply was a massive blow, but we didn’t back down. We pushed, we problem-solved, advocated loudly for our region and thanks to Foodbank Victoria’s commitment to regional communities, we now have a solution.”

Now able to distribute chilled food once more, Moira FoodShare will be better positioned to support its network of local relief organisations.

Mr Rouel said the announcement was proof of what happens when communities come together to find solutions.

“We can’t wait to get this food out to those who need it most,” he said.

The announcement comes almost six months after a letter from Foodbank Victoria informed Moira FoodShare that the agency would no longer deliver as many chilled goods to regional and rural FoodShares due to funding cuts by the Victorian Government.

The allegation was refuted by the Carers and Volunteers Minister Ros Spence at the time, who said there had been no funding cuts to Foodbank Victoria.