The Heathcote electorate will share in a package of $4.6 million in new grants to fight food waste, as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to reduce the 1.7 million tonnes of food that is wasted each year in NSW.
Under the first round of the new grants delivered by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Shire Salvos Heathcote has been given $6,000 to support their emergency food relief program. This will allow fridges and freezers to be purchased, providing people in need with frozen meals and fresh produce.
The Shire Salvos emergency food relief program will help reduce and avoid food waste in the Heathcote community, which can create harmful greenhouse gases when it rots in landfill, and ensure edible surplus food is being saved and delivered to people in need across NSW.
There are several ways to support the work of Shire Salvos. Supporters can donate financially, donate clothing and goods, or donate their time in a volunteer role. To learn about ways to support Shire Salvos Heathcote, go to: https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/shire/help-others/donate/
This funding is part of a broader package of grants which have been given to businesses, councils, hospitals, schools, and charitable organisations across NSW to reduce food waste and feed those in need.
The first round of the NSW Government’s Food Rescue Grants has awarded nearly $3 million to support 20 charities and community organisations to rescue more surplus or donated food and deliver it to people in need across NSW.
Recipients include larger state-wide organisations like FoodBank, OzHarvest and SecondBite as well as community-based organisations fighting food insecurity across Sydney, Wollongong, and other regional centres.
An additional $1.66 million has been awarded through the new Business Food Waste Partnerships Grants which will help peak bodies, sector leaders and councils work together to find opportunities to stop food from going to waste.
Sydney Children’s Hospitals, the NSW Department of Education, hospitality, and winery businesses are just some of the grantees who will improve their focus on food waste avoidance and recycling.
For more information about the grants, go to: https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/working-together/grants/organics-infrastructure-fund
Quotes attributable to Maryanne Stuart MP, Member for Heathcote
“It’s great to see the enthusiasm we have here in Heathcote to reduce our food waste. Shire Salvos Heathcote provides an invaluable service to the community, providing food relief to those in need, transitional accommodation, affordable second-hand goods, and a welcoming environment for people to socialise and enjoy a free coffee.
“If you would like to contribute to the incredible work that Shire Salvos Heathcote does for our community, they would greatly appreciate non-perishable food, donations, and if you have the time, additional volunteers.”
“Almost 70 per cent of the 1.7 million tonnes of food waste that is sent to landfill every year in NSW is still edible, so it’s vital that we are looking at a range of ways to save more food.
“By reducing our food waste, we can support the most vulnerable people in our community through donated food, and we’re also reducing our greenhouse gas emissions from landfill.”
FRIDAY 26 July 2024
