Quantum Support Services and the East Bairnsdale Community Hub were delighted to be awarded $10,000 from a competitive grant application through Community Food Relief Fund, supported by the Victoria Government.

The Relief Fund is a one-off grant to increase the State’s capacity to source and distribute food relief to Victorians in need during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

East Bairnsdale Community Hub (The Hub) is an Initiative of Quantum Support Services in partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services . It is a valuable community resource providing programs and activities for the East Bairnsdale community, many programs catering to children and young people. The Hub provides support for families though the food pantry service, advocacy and administrative support.

Mark Roberts – The Hub Facilitator stated, “This funding will build on the Food Pantries capacity to provide further access to food relief, improve variety and nutrition, increase social connection and skill development. This funding will see the addition of commercial freezers allowing the Food Pantry to receive and store more food donations; including bulk foods, from local partner agencies such as bakeries and other small businesses while allowing the storage of pre-prepared meals. The funding will allow the expansion of the Community Garden project with the opportunity for the local community to learn how to grow healthy fresh food. The Hub will be running ‘how to grow’ workshops and locals will get to try their hand at vegetable gardening at home with seedlings grown at the Hub. The funding will also assist volunteers to undertake food handling and first aid training, increase access to and knowledge about healthy eating and explore safety in the community and in the home.”

The East Bairnsdale Community Hub at 24 Hoddinot St, East Bairnsdale, sees an average of 131 Food Pantry visits a month and the funding will be very well utilised there.