The City of Greater Bendigo is offering grants of up to $2,000 to community groups interested in holding local community festive meal events or providing food relief hampers for distribution between Christmas and New Year.
Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the Festive Meals Grants support local community connections, inclusion and food security for residents who may be alone, feeling excluded or experiencing financial hardship at this time of year.
"The grants aim to support a range of small, local activities across Greater Bendigo between Sunday 1 December 1, and Tuesday December 31, 2024," Cr Metcalf said.
"This year, the grant has been adjusted to reflect an increase in grocery prices and provides opportunities for groups to purchase items for food relief hampers. The activity period has also been extended to cover the whole of December.
"We received very positive feedback from many people who attended the small, local events last year, and we know how valuable this support is to people who may be alone or experiencing financial difficulties over the festive period.
"We are keen for community groups to start thinking now about how they may wish to support people with meals or food relief during the festive season and consider applying for this funding.
"It's important that meal events are welcoming and inclusive, and that they take place at a public venue."
Applications open 9am Monday September 2 and close at 2pm Friday September 27, 2024.
