Bacchus Marsh's Soul Food program has been awarded $19,200 in state food relief funding. The registered charity serves hot meals weekly and provides staple supplies to people in need. Coordinator Jenny Kearney said the grant, applied for in July, will help fund food purchases for the next 12 months. Every Wednesday at Saint Bernards Parish Centre, the program serves 180 to 200 lunchtime diners. Meal numbers have risen from 2800 in 2020 to over 10,000 in 2025.
Amy Hunter-Flint, board chair of Geelong charity The Outpost, has won the $20,000 first prize in the Westfield Local Heroes awards. She plans to spend part of the money on a steak dinner for guests. The Outpost serves more than 76,000 meals and drinks a year to people facing hardship, and helps up to 120 people each day. Amy said the funding will keep the doors open for food relief and community support. Nicki Dunne and Scott Smith, finalists, each received $5000 for their organisations.
Duke Street Community House has launched its annual raffle, with 30 prizes donated by community organisations and local businesses. Prizes include a $1,000 gift card and a Western Bulldogs signed Sherrin. Tickets cost $5 each and can be bought online or at the community house during opening hours. Manager Emma Price said each ticket sold will provide 25 meals through the house's food relief program. The raffle will be drawn on 10 December.
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Food relief organisations across the Geelong region are struggling to meet growing demand, and many have been forced to turn people away. New research from the Give Where You Live Foundation found 72 per cent of surveyed organisations saw increased demand over the past year. Almost half of single-parent households with children under 15 reported running out of food in 2024. Zac Lewis said food insecurity required longer-term solutions alongside emergency relief.
