Anne Parisianne
Fifteen per cent of households in Maribyrnong are impacted by food insecurity, according to a council submission to a state government inquiry on the issue.
In its submission to the inquiry, which was endorsed by councillors during the July 23 council meeting, council called for the government to legislate for the right to food, empower councils with the resources required to lead community food systems strategies and establish a comprehensive food systems monitoring framework.
Council also wants the government to undertake advocacy to reduce cost of living pressures on families, advocate to the federal government on raising the minimum wage and welfare payments and support First Nations communities to advance their food sovereignty.
The inquiry is examining the impacts, drivers and solutions for food security in Victoria.
The council’s submission said the impacts of food insecurity were particularly severe in Maribyrnong.
“The Maribyrnong Food Inequality Network, recently established and convened by the Maribyrnong City Council, reports a significant increase in demand for food assistance, underscoring the urgent need for targeted interventions and support,” the submission stated.
“Member organisations within the network, including food relief agencies, neighbourhood houses, and community centres, are struggling to meet the rising needs of the local community.”
Speaking at the July 23 meeting, councillor Bernadette Thomas said many people queued for free food donated by the community on Monday nights in Footscray.
“The various … emergency food relief programs … are becoming overwhelmed. Can’t keep up with the demand,” she said.
Cr Michael Clarke said the cost of food was extremely high, exacerbating existing inequalities.
“There was a time in Braybrook when it was easier to get packaged liquor, packaged alcohol than to get fresh food, fresh vegetables,” he said.
“It does have an impact on the mental health of those who are at the pointy end of food insecurity.
“And of that group, it’s the children that I fear for more than anything else.”
