SecondBite’s Devonport Warehouse is a great addition to its Tasmanian network that provides food to thousands of Tasmanians from families, to the elderly, children and homeless.
I congratulate SecondBite on growing into a very valued champion of Tasmania’s community, and thank the more than 100 volunteers and nine employees who do incredible work.
As we officially open the Devonport Warehouse today, it’s particularly important to recognise the many local farmers, wholesalers, supermarkets and caterers who support this program.
It is because of the great produce grown by our farmers in the North West and West Coast that SecondBite has decided to locate their warehouse in Devonport.
In fact, about 60 per cent of the 1.1 million kilograms of fresh food that SecondBite will collect this year will come from the North and North-West of our state.
Not only is the produce saved from going to waste as landfill, but more families across Tasmania have access to nutritious fruit and vegetables.
The Tasmanian Government is also a proud supporter of SecondBite, providing $75,000 a year.
We have also ensured food security for vulnerable Tasmanians with more than $1.1 million in funding for the food relief sector over three years, including $200,000 a year for Foodbank, $160,000 for Meals on Wheels and $25,000 for Produce to the People.
In addition, we are providing $180,000 to boost mobile food services over three years, and $100,000 for start-up cooperatives.
We recognise the crucial role that Foodbank and emergency food relief providers play in providing food to thousands of vulnerable Tasmanians.
With the state’s economy growing and the Budget coming back under control, the Government can now invest the dividends into the core business of government, including providing for vulnerable Tasmanians.