The Government Has Slashed Funding To A Crucial Food Charity Just Before Xmas

Australia’s largest food supply charity, Foodbank, has been left stunned after it was revealed the Coalition government has slashed key funding by hundreds of thousands of dollars just before the trying Christmas and bushfire seasons.

Foodbank, which helps over 700,000 Australians impacted by natural disaster or economic hardships with essential food items such as rice, flour and canned goods, is being forced to operate with $323,000 less funding a year.

CEO Brianna Casey has spoken to media today about the shock new cuts, saying Foodbank, which received $1.5m a year in funding only three years ago, now has to attempt to do the same core duties on just $430,000.

“I just cannot fathom why this is happening at all, let alone at one of the most challenging times of year for vulnerable Australians and our drought affected communities,” Casey said in a media release.

Fortnightly food hampers to drought affected families are one of the charity’s major services, which Casey says will be impacted when the funding cuts commence January 1, right in the middle of the driest time of the year.

The government has defended the cuts, with Social Services Minister Paul Fletcher saying overall emergency food relief funding hasn’t been cut but the inclusion of additional charity services into the budget has led to redistribution of funds.

Labor leader Bill Shorten has come out against the cuts, writing in a letter to Prime Minister Morrison  “Your government’s cut will have a major impact on Foodbank’s supplies, and risks compromising their ability to distribute emergency food relief during natural disasters. I am genuinely surprised by this mean and foolish decision.”

The charity has appealed to the government to undo the funding cuts, with Casey telling ABC News 24, she hopes to receive a call from Morrison later today.

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Feature image via Foodbank. 

h/t The Guardian