Food charity ‘blow’

Labor calls for action to get help for struggling families

LABOR says the withdrawal of a major food charity from southern Tasmania would hit struggling families hard in the lead up to Christmas.

Devonport-based food charity Loaves and Fishes Tasmania announced last week it would suspend its Hobart operations due to funding issues.

Loaves and Fishes collects food from Tasmanian producers, supermarkets and suppliers that would otherwise go to waste — and services more than 220 community food programs and 38 school breakfast clubs across the state.

It receives State Government funding but is trying to secure an additional $150,000 of federal backing annually to sustain its operations.

Opposition housing spokeswoman Alison Standen said Loaves and Fishes was one of only two food relief organisations in the state, and its withdrawal from southern Tasmania would have a huge impact.

“It is a devastating blow, particularly right on Christmas. Families are making decisions about whether to pay their bills or whether to put food on the table, and many thousands of families right across Tasmania have been relying on emergency food relief through Loaves and Fishes,” Ms Standen said.

“We are calling on Premier Will Hodgman to pick up the phone and talk with his federal colleagues. He needs to guarantee this food relief will be provided to families across southern Tasmania, whether it’s to reinstate the funding through the commonwealth department or whether he puts his hand in his pocket.”

Infrastructure Minister Michael

Ferguson accused Labor of causing unnecessary worry in the community.

“A lot of people are really upset with the Labor Party for storming in to the community and really making a nuisance of themselves. The State Government is providing strong support to Loaves and Fishes … we are providing $700,000.

“They do a marvellous job and that’s why we give them so much money and support.”