Geelong Food Assistance Network

The Geelong Food Assistance Network's (GFAN) primary purpose is to provide coordination of a regional approach to meet the needs of those experiencing food insecurity because of economic circumstances in the G21 region.

This network has a leadership group representing the major agencies and organisations and a general membership group made up of organisations and agencies dealing with persons in need of food assistance. Supporter agencies and services such as homelessness, financial counselling, council health and community services etc also contribute to, and support the GFAN membership.

Food assistance refers to the services and supports used to address the food needs of vulnerable people.  This includes food swap programs, food donation, food packages and vouchers, cooking programs, opportunities for community meals etc.  GFANs role is to support the agencies providing support, educate the broader community, Council and government regarding food insecurity.

Food assistance programs are defined as any intervention to address hunger and under nutrition. (for example: food stamps, food subsidies, food price stabilisation).

Food assistance programs also provide referral and support pathways to other health and community services as well as providing social integration opportunities for vulnerable community groups.