Food Van Funding Extended to Help Those in Need

16 May 2017

Elise Archer, Speaker of the House of Assembly
Liberal Member for Denison

Today I had the privilege of officially announcing that in the upcoming State Budget the State Government will be extending our funding for mobile food vans.

Following the last election the State Government doubled the amount of funding to St Vinnies’ mobile food vans - including Loui’s Van in Hobart, Gran’s Van in Devonport and Missionbeat in Launceston.  That funding was due to expire this year, but today, it is my great pleasure to announce that we will be extending this funding for another year.

The funding component for Loui’s food van here in Hobart is $20,000 - taking the total additional funding provided to Loui’s Van under this Government to $80,000 - enough to make a significant difference to St Vinnies and all the wonderful volunteers who give up their time to support this much needed service.

Loui’s Van is an after-hours mobile service providing food, information and support to those in need. It operates six nights a week servicing different communities in the south, with over 280 volunteers.

Currently, Loui’s Van provides for an average of 50 people each evening that it operates.

Those who come to Loui’s Van range from children to the elderly and reflect a broad cross-section of the community. Many are experiencing considerable difficulty, including homelessness, mental health issues, isolation, drug and alcohol issues and poor self-esteem.

For many, Loui’s Van is a reminder of the dignity, concerns and worth of people in need.