Tasmania’s food security at risk without direct federal investment

More than 16,000 Tasmanians count on food from Loaves and Fishes each week. Without urgent federal investment, that support—and the future of Tasmania’s locally led food security system—is in danger of slowing or stopping altogether.

Loaves and Fishes Tasmania (LFT)—the state’s largest food relief provider—has stated that without dedicated federal funding, it will be unable to sustain current levels of free food distribution, let alone meet the growing need among vulnerable Tasmanians.

Despite ongoing engagement with both major parties, no concrete commitments have been made to support Tasmania’s proven, place-based food relief model. While Labor has flagged possible infrastructure support, the Coalition remains focused on a national-only funding approach—one that excludes LFT, despite the organisation delivering over 60% of Tasmania’s food relief.

“Each week, we support more than 16,000 Tasmanians—and demand is only growing,” said Andrew Hillier, CEO of Loaves and Fishes Tasmania. “This is not a marginal issue. It’s about equity, dignity, and basic humanity. Without urgent federal investment, we will be forced to start scaling back.”

The positive impact of Tasmania’s food security model is clear. Loaves and Fishes Tasmania, alongside a coalition of local partners, delivers more than food—it provides hope, connection, and opportunity. From school lunch programs and community meals to training pathways and job creation, the model supports thousands of Tasmanians each week with dignity and care. This place-based, integrated approach is not only efficient—it’s transformative. But without targeted federal investment, these gains are at risk.

The Tasmanian Government has shown strong leadership in shifting from emergency handouts to a Relief to Resilience approach—investing in long-term solutions that build food security, community capability, and economic participation. What’s needed now is federal alignment and investment to match this bold state-level vision and ensure its success.

LFT is calling for a minimum of $5 million over the next federal term, specifically dedicated to Tasmanian food relief. The funds would ensure the continuity of frontline services, strengthen key partnerships, and respond to the unique structural and geographic challenges facing the state.

While emergency relief and food rescue are vital, they are not sufficient. A continued focus on outdated handout models and duplicated national services overlooks the success of local solutions—where food, training, employment, and long-term resilience are delivered hand-in-hand.

What Tasmania Needs:

• A minimum $5 million commitment from the next Federal Government, dedicated to Tasmanian-led food relief;
• Recognition and core funding for Loaves and Fishes Tasmania as the state’s primary provider;
• $2m for essential Southern Warehouse and critical infrastructure;
• Federal-State alignment to prevent duplication and invest in scalable, community-led solutions.

“This isn’t about politics—it’s about priorities,” Hillier added. “We’re not asking for handouts. We’re asking for a smarter, fairer approach. Tasmania has the partnerships, the infrastructure, and the will. Now we need the investment to match.”