Applications Open for Remote Store Food Security Grants

Media Release

The Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP, Minister for Indigenous Australians

Applications for the $5 million Strengthening Remote Communities – Food Security Grant Opportunity have now opened. 

The Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP, said ensuring a reliable supply of essential goods, groceries and other critical supplies in remote communities is a high priority for the Morrison Government.   

“In the 2021-22 Budget we committed to invest in remote stores to improve food security and strengthen supply chains. This grant delivers on our commitment,” Minister Wyatt said. 

“There are over 200 community stores providing food and essential groceries to remote Indigenous communities on a daily basis. These stores provide a crucial community service but can face significant barriers, including poor road access, seasonal isolation, cold supply chain interruptions and inflated maintenance costs.

“This grant will ensure struggling stores can purchase the equipment, repairs, training or minor infrastructure needed to provide fresh, continuous and affordable supplies to their communities.” 

Stores servicing remote Indigenous communities will be eligible to apply for up to $500,000 to address food security risks in their communities, including projects to improve: 

• Range, quantity, quality and/or affordability of food and essential groceries;
• Stock monitoring and replenishing capability; 
• Supply chain and distribution infrastructure;
• Secure storage options (cold or dry);
• Shop equipment reliability and performance;
• Shop management, governance and/or financial performance and viability

“I encourage community stores to apply for projects tailored to the unique circumstances and needs of their store and the Indigenous community or communities they serve,” Minister Wyatt said.

Applications close midday 10 November 2021 (AEST). 

Additional information, including Grant Opportunity Guidelines, can be found on GrantConnect