In recent years, food insecurity within the City of Melbourne has been recognised as a growing health, social and economic issue largely driven by poverty. In 2021, one in three residents in the municipality experienced food insecurity.
While food insecurity is not new, the pandemic exacerbated the inequity of food access across our municipality. Since 2019, food insecurity has increased 7.5 per cent and demand for food relief has increased 47 per cent.
The City of Melbourne has identified food security as a key health and wellbeing focus area within our Council Plan 2021-2025. One of our major initiatives is to develop and deliver programs that will provide food relief to vulnerable members of our community and improve local food production by supporting communities to grow their own food.
In December 2021, councillors endorsed Community Food Relief 2021 - 2025: Planning for a food secure city. This plan outlines our role and commitment to improving access to food relief services and includes the following initiatives:
- Partnering with food relief and other charities to provide groceries and meals to vulnerable residents.
- Investigating community food enterprise models, including opportunities to work with Queen Victoria Market traders to redirect surplus food that would otherwise go to waste.
- Advocating to State and Federal Governments to raise income support above the poverty line and increase investment in social housing.
Our strategic priority is to move beyond food relief to increased food security for everyone, especially the most vulnerable.
For resources on how to access affordable, fresh and healthy food, visit Community Food Guide.
Contact us
Health Promotion and Policy Team
