Local charitable trust Food for Love has received a multi-year grant to support its mission to provide meals to people in the community who need a helping hand.

Central Lakes Trust (CLT) has granted $121,266 to Food for Love each year from 2025-2028, a total grant value of close to half a million dollars.

The grants will help Food for Love meet increasing demand for its service.

Food for Love general manager Jodie Stuart said the trust delivered 9,000 meals last year and expects that number to increase to around 12,000 this year.

“As the Upper Clutha’s population continues to grow, so does the need for our services,” Jodie said.

“Funding like this ensures we can meet increasing demand and continue supporting families and individuals during their times of need - whether they are recovering from illness, injury, or facing unexpected challenges.”

The Food for Love operational grant for 2025 was one of $1.024M in grants awarded at CLT’s first board meeting for the year.

CLT chief executive Barbara Bridger said the funding round focused on charitable organisations “with their operations, programmes, and projects to benefit the community”.

“It’s encouraging to see such a wide variety of organisations stepping up to address the needs and opportunities within our region.”

A second local charitable organisation, Path Wānaka, received an operational grant of $23,600.

Many other recipients - including KiwiHarvest, Volunteer South and more - have a presence in Wānaka.

A project grant of $7,500 was also awarded to Disc Golf Wānaka.

PHOTO: Teresa Cotter