One of the 13 grant recipients in the Give Where You Live Foundation’s latest grant round is Bellarine Living and Learning Centre (BLLC), who received a $20,000 grant to further develop their food security programs in the community.
Bellarine Living and Learning Centre is a welcoming and safe community hub located in Whittington. Funding from the Foundation is enabling BLLC to provide even greater support to those living in the 3219 community, particularly those who are facing food insecurity due to financial stress.
The grant will enable BLLC to expand its food relief efforts, ensuring that more community members can access the essential food and pantry items they need. Their weekly Wednesday Foodbank, which currently supports around 60-70 people and continues to be a vital resource for those struggling to meet their basic needs.
BLLC’s programs not only offer food relief, but also work to foster strong social connections among attendees, who range in age from 18 to 90 years old.
In addition to helping people to meet their immediate basic needs, BLLC also focus on building resilience and empowerment within the community. By addressing both the physical and social aspects of food insecurity, BLLC is helping to create a more supportive and connected community.
Feedback from BLLC clients shows that they value not just the food relief, but also the sense of community and belonging that comes with attending the Foodbank.
Over the past two year the Foundation has provided BLLC with $50,000 in grant funding to ensure they can continue to provide a safe, supportive space where community members can find the help and connection they need.
Thanks in part to public donations received in the Foundations 2023 Feed Geelong Appeal, in June 2024 the Foundation provided over $215,000 in funding to 13 local organisations.
Pictured: Geoff Case from the Foundation’s Gold Partner, Windows By Geoff Case, recently visited BLLC to congratulate them on their grant.