Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science and Youth Affairs

The Honourable Meaghan Scanlon

The Palaszczuk Government has announced $1.7 million to stop good food from ending up in landfill and instead help Queenslanders in need, with funding to help food rescue organisations provide better services.

Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon visited Foodbank Queensland today and said good food shouldn’t go to waste.

“More than three million tonnes of edible food in Queensland is sent to the tip every year,” Minister Scanlon said.

“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.  

“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.

It follows close to $1 million being given to a number of Queensland charities last year to deliver new food services, buy new equipment, and cover ongoing costs in an effort to stop food waste, including:

OzHarvest to receive $200,000 for two refrigerated trucks to expand services in south Brisbane and create a new service in Townsville

FoodBank to receive $200,000 for 3 electronic weight gauges and a new refrigerated truck

SecondBite to receive $200,000 for 3 new refrigerated trucks

IFYS Urban Angels to receive $48,840 for insulated iceboxes and dedicated project staff

The Rock Family and Community Support Inc. to receive $129,703 for a refrigerated truck and 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 applications would open on November 10 at: https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/management/waste/recovery/funding-grants

ENDS

Media contact: Francis Dela Cruz - 0420 592 078