A Kentish community organisation has received crucial funding to boost its food relief efforts for vulnerable people across the municipality.
Kentish House, through Glenhaven Family Care, is among 55 organisations across Tasmania to receive a share of nearly $490,000 in government funding aimed at addressing food insecurity.
The grant will enable Kentish House to create at least 80 food hampers for individuals and families experiencing hardship, according to Community Services Minister Roger Jaensch.
Kentish House Coordinator Cassandra Speed said there is a concerning trend in food insecurity within the community.
“There’s definitely an uptick and there’s also a change in the demographic. So it’s a much wider demographic that are actually accessing these services now,” Speed said.
“Previously you could determine the demographic as low income whereas now it is definitely a much broader demographic. We’re seeing people who are retired, families that are working… people are having rent stresses and mortgage payment stresses.”
The hampers will contain pantry staples, toiletries and laundry products, with special consideration for those with dietary requirements. The organisation will source products locally where possible.
Kentish House operates with one full-time coordinator, two part-time staff members and four volunteers, providing various community support services alongside its food relief program.
The state government say they are committing $7 million in their 2025-26 Budget to support emergency food relief programs statewide.
A full list of the food relief grant recipients can be found here.
