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Under-threat food charity wants election commitment

By Hailey Wight

Sep 21, 2026

Shepparton Foodshare is facing funding uncertainty as the Victorian election looms. Photo by Contributed

Shepparton Foodshare is calling on election candidates to commit to ongoing support, with its Victorian Government funding set to end in June.

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The organisation supports people experiencing food insecurity, supplying food to more than 120 local organisations. Last year it distributed more than 60,000kg of food to local schools alone, helping them provide meal programs.

“It would just be catastrophic for the community if the regional Foodshares weren't funded,” Shepparton Foodshare chief executive Dee Healey said.

“They wouldn’t be able to do the incredible work that those school programs provide without Shepparton Foodshare.”

Half of Shepparton Foodshare’s funding comes from the Victorian Government, with its current two-year contribution ending at the end of this financial year.

“At this point, we don’t have a commitment for ongoing funding,” Ms Healey said.

“We’re calling on all candidates to make ongoing funding for the regional Foodshares an election commitment.”

Government funding affects all five regional Victorian Foodshares, which are part of the Regional Food Security Alliance.

“That’s 36 local government areas,” she said.

“That’s a huge impact across regional Victorians if our funding isn't continued.”