The Queensland Government will provide $1.7 million to help food rescue organisations keep edible food out of landfill, and divert it to people in need.
Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said more than three million tonnes of edible food ends up in Queensland’s landfills every year.
“That’s why we’re putting funding on the table so food rescue organisations can cover the costs of new equipment like trucks, infrastructure and operations, and focus on helping give families and households a good meal,” she said.
“Cost of living pressures are being felt across the world, including in Queensland, and these grants will make sure that good food can go to those in need, while also helping to tackle some of the harmful emissions food waste produces.”
The announcement follows the close to $1 million given to several Queensland charities last year to deliver food services, buy new equipment, and cover ongoing costs to stop food waste.
The 2021 Food Rescue Grant Program awarded funding to organisations including OzHarvest, which received $200,000 for two refrigerated trucks; FoodBank, which received $200,000 for three electronic weight gauges and a new refrigerated truck; SecondBite, which received $200,000 for three new refrigerated trucks; IFYS Urban Angels, which received $48,840 for insulated iceboxes and dedicated project staff; and the Rock Family and Community Support Inc., which received $129,703 for a refrigerated truck and a new driver.
“We want to see 90 per cent of waste diverted from landfill by 2050, and this is one step to achieving that target while also supporting local charities, Queenslanders and businesses who will be engaged to deliver new equipment,” Minister Scanlon said.
Grant applications will open on 10 November 2022.
For more information, visit: www.qld.gov.au
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