Labor is calling on the Rockliff Government to save a vital food service in Hobart’s northern suburbs which is on the brink of closure.
Jordan River Services operates the Waterbridge Food Co-op, which supports hundreds of people in the community with affordable and nutritious food.
With grant funding depleted, they’re about to close their doors if they can’t get any extra support, which will have a devasting effect on the community’s food security in a cost-of-living crisis.
In the six months between July 2022 and January 2023, the Co-op made 9,416 meals for the community. These meals are lifesavers for some members of the community and allow them to manage their budgets and enjoy independent lives.
The Co-op also operates the Fast Foodies program, which teaches people invaluable healthy cooking skills, giving them the gift of being able to prepare their own nutritious food at home.
In March I called on the Liberal Government to provide continued funding to keep Waterbridge’s doors open. Unfortunately, after ten years in Government, the Liberals’ priorities are all wrong – instead choosing to focus on building a billion-dollar taxpayer funded stadium at Macquarie Point.
A Labor government would continue to invest in food security programs and we urge the Liberals to support Waterbridge Food Co-Op in the upcoming budget. Tasmanians need vital organisations like Waterbridge to continue making a positive impact at a time when they are needed most.
Rebecca White MP
Labor Leader