Ensuring South Australians have food on the table and cost-of-living support during the COVID-19 pandemic is the focus of a $1 million Marshall Liberal Government funding boost targeted at helping those most in need.
The million-dollar boost, committed in this year's State Budget as part of a $4.1 million package to support vulnerable South Australians during the pandemic, will help an estimated 1250 families per month.
The $1 million boost to help vulnerable South Australians includes:
- $150,000 to Foodbank
- $100,000 to OzHarvest
- $100,000 to SecondBite
- $650,000 provided to charities through the Emergency Financial Relief Program so they can support South Australians through measures including food, chemist and transport vouchers, as well as support with cost-of-living pressures like bills.
Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said the Marshall Liberal Government recognises many South Australians need extra help and support at this time.
"We recognise many South Australians are doing it tough right now – and we're here to help," said Minister Lensink.
"We know the COVID-19 pandemic has increased demand for food relief and cost of living support which is why the Marshall Liberal Government has provided an additional $1 million to provide immediate relief to South Australians who need help over the coming months.
"Most of the support will be in the form of food vouchers and hampers, but this $1 million boost will also offer South Australians vouchers for transport or the chemist, plus other cost of living pressures like bills and will be delivered through a number of NGOs state-wide.
"We really urge any South Australians who is struggling to put food on the table or with general household pressures to access this targeted help.
"This $1 million boost is in addition to a $1.6 million Marshall Liberal Government boost provided earlier this year to support South Australians, as well as food relief organisations, during the COVID-19 pandemic."
