A $2.5 million Tasmanian Government investment in capital works to assist Tasmanians with food relief is now underway.
Loaves and Fishes Tasmania supplies food to more than 250 community partners and supports the School Lunch Program, social enterprises, employment pathways and emergency food relief services.
The capital works funding will enable Loaves and Fishes to upgrade its Devonport and Brighton warehousing facilities, significantly expanding its capacity to support Tasmanians.
Minister for Community Services, Roger Jaensch, said Loaves and Fishes Tasmania is dedicated to fighting food insecurity and strengthening food relief systems.
"During the election our Government recommitted to an integrated food relief sector that supports Tasmanians in need to access sufficient, safe, nutritious, quality food, and access services to support long-term food resilience," Minister Jaensch said.
"Through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future, we are providing direct support to Tasmanians to address the cost of living. This included our $2.5 million commitment for capital upgrades for Loaves and Fishes Tasmania so the organisation can meet demand for food procurement, storage, and emergency food relief.
"These works include upgrading freezer and cool room facilities, upgrading dry stores, pallet racking and processing facilities.
"Flooring and kitchen upgrades and installing solar panels are also part of the upgrades.
"This funding will also support Loaves and Fishes Tasmania's transition to becoming a food procurement and social wholesaler organisation.
"The warehouse in Devonport, and Loaves Fishes' southern warehouse in Brighton, will directly support getting food on the tables of the Tasmanians who need it most.
"Tasmania is on a journey from food relief to food resilience, and this will go a long way to making that happen.
"I would like to thank Loaves and Fishes Tasmania for the work they do, each and every day, as together, we work towards supporting Tasmanian communities."
Chief Executive Officer of Loaves and Fishes Tasmania, Andrew Hillier, said the upgraded facilities would significantly expand their capacity to support Tasmanian communities.
"By increasing the volume of food collection, storage and distribution, we anticipate helping thousands more individuals annually, as well as extending our support to additional partner organisations across the state," Mr Hillier said.
"This project reflects Loaves and Fishes Tasmania's commitment to building resilient, sustainable food systems that not only address immediate food insecurity but also contribute to long-term community wellbeing."
Importantly, these facilities will also support up to 30 traineeships and apprenticeships.
The works are expected to be completed by May 2025.
