Foodbank NT has received a $1 million funding increase as part of a new funding agreement with the Territory Labor Government that grants the group $2.4 million over the next five years, with demand increasing from Territorians struggling to afford food as costs increase.

The organisation’s recently opened Alice Springs hub is now providing around 50,000 meals to communities, charities, non-profit organisations and schools across the Territory per month – with demand almost doubling.

CEO Baptist Care NT Peter Chandler said Foodbank NT is crucial in addressing food security for children, families and communities in need across the Northern Territory.

“In the past 12 months, we’ve seen a huge increase in demand for our services with the number of meals we were providing per month raising from 30,000 to more than 50,000,” Mr Chandler said.

Last year, one-in-six Australians reported not being able to afford food due to paying rent, being hit by large or unexpected bills, or simply due to low income.

Mr Chandler said that the additional funding will help ensure that the organization meets community demand for subsidized meals and thanked the government for the new funding agreement.

Minister for Housing and Homelands Selena Uibo said Foodbank NT was an “vital safety net” for the community.

“For any Territorian doing it tough and not knowing where their next meal is coming from, please reach out because help is there for you,” she said.