The LNP will double the size of Queensland’s largest food rescue organisation to help desperate Sunshine Coast families struggling under Labor’s Cost of Living Crisis.
An LNP Government would deliver funding to expand Caloundra’s Gateway Care food rescue, to put low-cost food on the table for 600 families every day.
LNP Deputy Leader Jarrod Bleijie said the LNP’s $5 million commitment to Gateway Care would enable them to rescue 1.6 million kilos of food, the equivalent of 30 backyard swimming pools, every year.
“Gateway Care is at the coalface of Labor’s Cost of Living crisis,” Mr Bleijie said.
“There is a growing number of mothers and fathers who are battling to feed their children, and we will give them the tools they need to double their operations and help.
“We know Gateway Care has put in frantic pleas for the Palaszczuk/Miles Government to assist as Labor’s Cost of Living Crisis worsened, and they have all fallen on deaf ears.
“Queenslanders have copped some of the biggest cost increases in the nation for basic necessities, including food, which is smashing the supermarket docket for families.
“The LNP is laser focused on driving down the cost of living for Queenslanders, in both the short and the long-term, and doing all we can to help those who are caring for our most vulnerable.”
LNP Candidate for Caloundra Kendall Morton said Gateway Care had helped over 40,000 families in her community since opening their doors.
“Gateway Care already collect food from 17 Sunshine Coast supermarkets, Foodbank Queensland and SecondBite, and they have another 20 supermarkets lined up ready to give, they just need the means to receive and distribute this much-needed food,” Ms Morton said.
“The LNP’s commitment means Gateway Care can lease the extra space they need, buy three additional trucks, hire more drivers and meet their running costs.
“Queenslanders must show Labor the door in 2024, to ensure the right focus on delivering the programs, services and communities for our state.
“Only the LNP stands ready to deliver a fresh start for Queensland.”