The Geelong community has shown their support for the Give Where You Live Foundation’s 2026 Feed Geelong Appeal, raising more than $50,000 in just one week to help local people and families experiencing food insecurity.
Held from 12-18 October, the appeal saw local businesses, organisations and individuals come together to raise vital funds to support local food relief programs at a time when growing numbers of individuals and families in Geelong are looking for assistance.
While the campaign week has wrapped up, the Feed Geelong Appeal remains open for donations all year, with the Foundation encouraging the community to continue supporting local food relief as demand continues to grow.
The community’s generous response comes as the Foundation’s latest Food for Thought research, developed in partnership with Deakin University, highlighted the increasing pressure on local food relief services. The research found that 72 per cent of local food relief organisations reported demand for food support had increased, while more than half had been forced to turn people away due to limited food supplies, funding, staffing or capacity.
Give Where You Live Foundation CEO, Zac Lewis said raising more than $50,000 in one week was a fantastic demonstration of the Geelong community’s generosity and would make a meaningful difference to local people facing food insecurity.
“To raise more than $50,000 in just seven days is an incredible result, and we’re so grateful to everyone who supported the campaign. While our dedicated fundraising week has finished, the need for food relief continues, which is why the Feed Geelong Appeal remains open for donations all year round,” Mr Lewis said.
Mr Lewis said the findings of the Food for Thought research reinforced the importance of both immediate food relief and longer term solutions to strengthen food security across the region.
“With the rising cost of living pushing more people in our community to seek support, the funds raised through this year’s Feed Geelong Appeal will help ensure local organisations can continue providing food and assistance to those who need it most,” Mr Lewis said.
“We know food insecurity is affecting an increasingly broad cross-section of our community, including working households and middle-income families who may never have needed support before..”
“Our research shows demand is continuing to grow, placing significant pressure on local organisations that are already working hard to meet community need. Through the Feed Geelong Appeal, we are able to support both frontline food relief services and initiatives that create lasting change for people experiencing food insecurity.”
The Foundation also acknowledged the support of its 2026 Feed Geelong Appeal partners, including Times News Group, Goop Digital, The Gordon, GSC Finance, Australian Tyre Traders, Associated Cold Tread Tyres, K Rock 95.5 and Bay 93.9.
“We are incredibly grateful to our partners, donors and supporters who have helped make this year’s appeal such a success,” Mr Lewis said.
The Feed Geelong Appeal remains open for donations until 30 June 2027. To make a donation and help support local people experiencing food insecurity visit givewhereyoulive.com.au