Co-ordinator James Rouel said Moira FoodShare made a successful application for a Qantas Regional Grant in 2025 and received $65,000.
“We were very lucky to be awarded it, we were the biggest grant they gave out last year, so it was pretty good recognition for the work we've been doing,” he said.
“We do know that there were a lot of applications received, so even to get picked in the first place was pretty humbling.
“It was also pretty exciting to see a big business like Qantas back what we're doing and support rural Victoria.”
The van was sent to Melbourne to be renovated so it could carry refrigerated goods and was then wrapped by Cobram Sign Society. It is now officially ready to hit the streets.
Mr Rouel said the new van allowed the service to transport triple the previous amount of food.
“It fits two whole pallets, so about 1500 kilos, compared to about 500 kilos ... it enables us to go and get food in bigger quantities, including refrigerated food,” he said.
Mr Rouel said that over the past three years Moira FoodShare had worked really hard to grow the brand and to get recognition in the community.
“When I started in the role three and a half years ago we were helping about 800 people a month, and now we’re consistently helping 5000 people every month,” he said.
“So it’s grown about 350 per cent in the last three years, which isn't a great thing, as it means people are struggling, but we’re really happy to be there and provide support to the rural and remote communities right around this area.
“We’ve also just received a grant from the Victorian Government to upgrade another van, so we’ll have two vans outside very soon going right across the shire, so it’s pretty exciting times.”
For more information call Moira FoodShare on 03 5871 1899 or email moirafoodshare@mhacare.org.au.
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