Food insecurity continues to be a challenge for many Australians, with 1 in 25 people running out of food and being unable to buy more. COVID-19 has exacerbated this as insufficient income leads to many people unable to access sufficient, nutritious food.

Local government and key system stakeholders are well placed to support regional food relief systems. This includes developing a better understanding of the local system through supply chain mapping and building an evidence base of food supply and demand needs; and playing a backbone role for the system’s collaborative networks, processes and policies.

SVA’s work with the City of Greater Geelong evidenced how these activities can lead to improvements in a region’s food relief system providing more meals for vulnerable people.