The Tasmanian Government is delivering on its commitment to supporting Tasmanians in need, with the launch of the Food for All Tasmanians Grants Program today.

The Premier, Lara Giddings, announced the $1 million grants program at the Deloraine Community Garden.

The program is part of the $5 million Cost of Living package announced in the 2012-13 Budget and will be used to support projects that give struggling Tasmanian families access to affordable and healthy food.

"The Tasmanian Government is working to ensure that no family has to make the choice between paying their bills and putting food on the table.

"We have already invested $1 million in a Food Security Fund which is helping organisations like Second Bite, FoodBank and Produce to the People fund initiatives like food packages to help families through the cold winter months."

"This latest funding has been made possible by our decision to sell TOTE Tasmania and reinvest the proceeds for the benefit of Tasmanians."

Ms Giddings the grant program could help fund initiatives like community gardens, storage facilities and delivery options to take food directly to those who need it.

"I would encourage community organisations, schools, Local Government, and businesses to put forward innovative ideas to address the issue of food security."

The Parliamentary Secretary for the Cost of Living, Rebecca White, said food security was a key issue raised at the round table meeting of community groups earlier this year.

"The recently released Food Security Strategy provides a blueprint for creating a community where no one goes without affordable and healthy food," Ms White said.

"This grants program will help fund the ideas and services that will help make that blueprint a reality.

"We are particularly interested in proposals that involve partnerships between community groups, charities, emergency food relief providers, food distributors and producers.

"By working together, we can increase access to affordable food, improve knowledge about growing food and cooking nutritious meals, and build support networks so families don't fall between the cracks."

Ms Giddings said the State Government's commitment to addressing the rising cost of living also included investment in initiatives to reduce household power bills.

"Through our investment of $37 million, the State Government has effectively halved the expected power price rise this financial year, saving all households around $200.

"Electricity concessions have been increased, meaning eligible pensioners and health care card holders will now receive around $450 off their annual power bills.

"We have also provided funding to subsidise the cost of purchasing energy efficient appliances through the No Interest Loan Scheme."

The full guidelines for the Food for All Tasmanians Grants Program are available at www.dpac.tas.gov.au/divisions/siu and applications close on 10 September 2012.