By KATRINA BRANDON
FROM paddock to plate, Foodbank Victoria is now ready, with the help of AusNet and Mondo, to help more people in need with its new electric van.
The new, refrigerated van is the result of a $300,000 grant from AusNet, and two charging stations at Morwell Community Food Centre and another at Yarraville have been added.
The grant comes from AusNet’s $12 million Energy Resilience Community Fund, which was created after February’s storm to support local recovery efforts and provide grants to community and not-for-profit organisations, local councils, and small businesses to help build and strengthen community energy resilience.
On October 29, AusNet and Foodbank unveiled the new van at the newly-established Morwell Centre.
Foodbank Victoria Chief Executive, Dave McNamara said: “This donation is wonderful. It meets part of our ambition to make the centre financially and environmentally sustainable and help build a food-secure Gippsland”.
“Being able not to have to fill with fuel all of the time, run to Yarraville because there is another charging station in Yarraville to make sure that the van is consistently fuelled by the sun.”
Mondo Head of New Energy Markets, Gavin Lewis, had the honours on the day to help share the features of the new electric vehicle.
“As we know, vans and trucks are the lifelines of Australia, carrying the things that we need every day and, in this case, vitally carrying the food that we need and helping the people that need our help,” he said.
“If I have to be honest, this may be my new favourite (project). The van should be cheaper to maintain, quieter, and more sustainable in the long term. The big battery can charge the van from zero to 100 in an hour, but generally, you will charge it 20-30 minutes daily.”
Foodbank Victoria has delivered close to 80,000 meals since it opened in May; 25 local charity partners are being supported with wholesome food, and 73 per cent of fresh produce, including almost 70,000 kilos of fruit and vegetables. Currently, according to Foodbank, 37 per cent of regional Victorians cannot afford the food they need for themselves and their families.
People don’t have direct access to the Morwell Community Food Centre yet, but it can be accessed through the Foodbank’s charity partners listed on their website. Mr McNamara said people can click the Find Food link and search their postcode to find the nearest support group.
