The Liberal Government is committed to rebuilding essential services and supporting vulnerable Tasmanians.
We recognise the crucial role that mobile food vans play in delivering emergency food to thousands of Tasmanians from the elderly to children and the homeless.
I am pleased to confirm that the State Budget doubles the annual recurrent funding to mobile food vans in Hobart, Launceston and Devonport.
This additional funding of $180,000 over three years will not only support the operation of the vans, but extend their reach in their local regions.
Mobile food vans including Loui’s Van in Hobart, Mission Beat in Launceston and Gran’s Van in Devonport, provide an essential safety-net for many vulnerable Tasmanians.
For Loui’s Van, this means they can consider expanding to the Huon Valley; they already operate in Hobart, Glenorchy, Risdon Vale, Gagebrook, Bridgewater, Clarendon Vale and Rokeby.
It is already a two van operation and has more than 280 volunteers who last year it provided food relief to 17,000 Tasmanians.
The vans offer so much more than hot soup and sandwiches; they also offer clothing, blankets, information about support services and importantly, a shoulder to lean on.
This funding recognises the vital role of these mobile food vans and is another example of this Government supporting the vulnerable in our communities.
Will Hodgman, Premier
