The not-for-profit service has adopted its Strategic Plan 2026-2030, setting clear guidelines for the organisation as demand for food relief across the region continues to rise.
“Our plan builds on our commitment to our vision where everyone has dignified access to the food and essentials they need to live well, belong and thrive, while strengthening our organisation and creating longer-term pathways towards food security and community resilience,” Shepparton Foodshare board chair Cheryl Hammer said.
Its five key goals include governance and risk, its people and culture, partnerships and innovation, financial stability, and impact and engagement.
The plan reflects a shared commitment to building a stronger, more food-secure community after being developed through consultation with the organisation’s board, staff, volunteers, partners and community stakeholders.
The plan recognises Shepparton Foodshare’s growth and the changing environment in which it operates.
“Shepparton Foodshare was founded on a simple but powerful principle: that everyone deserves access to nutritious food, dignity in times of need and hope for a more secure future,” Ms Hammer said.
“Over the years, our organisation has grown in scale, capability and impact, responding to changing community needs, increasing demand and broader social and economic pressures. The period ahead will be no different.”
Shepparton Foodshare chief executive Dee Healey said the five goals would guide planning, decision-making and daily operations.
“Improved food security across our community and region remains our reason for being, and our people are at the heart of all that we do,” Ms Healey said.
“These five goals provide a strong framework to ensure we can continue responding to immediate need and during times of crisis and emergency while building a sustainable organisation equipped to serve our community into the future.”
During the 2025-26 financial year, the organisation distributed 711,000 kg of food — equivalent to approximately 1.4 million meals — a 47 per cent increase on the previous financial year.
The result follows consecutive annual increases of around 30 per cent over the previous two years, highlighting the significant and growing demand for food relief across the region amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
Shepparton Foodshare provides food free of charge to more than 100 registered emergency relief agencies, schools, neighbourhood houses, community services, meals programs, faith organisations and other community groups.
The Shepparton Foodshare Strategic Plan 2026-2030 is available at sheppartonfoodshare.org.au
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