With rising food insecurity across the state, the expansion marks the latest evolution in the Vinnies soup vans’ 50 years of supporting Victorians in need.
St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria (SVDPV) is set to open a new soup van hub to meet a 30% increase in demand for soup van assistance in the state’s South-East. The new hub will be in Hallam, combining operations to better serve Dandenong, Berwick and beyond while strengthening the charity’s links in regional areas.
Since 1975, soup vans have been providing Victorians with meals, with an average of 800,000 meals a year for those in both metro and regional locations across the state. Beginning as a humble grassroots response to hunger and social isolation, the 171-year-old charity’s fleet of 12 vans now operates 365 days a year, rain, hail or shine.
Last financial year, the SVDPV Welfare Assistance Call Centre (1800 305 330) received 65,305 calls for assistance within metropolitan Melbourne. Alarmingly, almost half of the $20.5 million SVDPV spent on assistance in 2023-2024 was for providing food ($10.2 million).
Victorian Soup Van Operations Manager Toa Thredgold recalled that people struggling with mortgage stress who once came to them for help and interacted with soup vans have now overcome that difficult period in their lives. When she saw them again, they were able to donate and give back already.
“Whether people rely on the soup van for a few months or just a week, we want them to know we’re here. If we can take food off their worry list, they can focus on essential things like rent, petrol, and medication,” Thredgold said. “We continue to evolve the service, from providing hot meals, to our ‘pantry van’ model, where we offer fresh produce alongside pantry staples like pasta, long-life milk and long-life foods. As demand grows, we’re exploring new routes and expanding our reach to ensure no one goes without. But we can’t do it alone; every contribution makes a difference. Which is why we need help to bring even meals and hope to more Victorians.”
Meanwhile, SVDPV CEO Dr Jennifer Fitzgerald AM said that the Vinnies soup vans have been more than just a meal but a lifeline. Every night, these vans roll out to communities across Victoria, offering not only food but also connection, compassion and hope. For many, it might be the only real conversation or moment of kindness they experience all day.
“From one humble van in Fitzroy, the service now delivers over 810,000 meals each year across Victoria. Fifty years on, the need for our services has never been greater. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we doubled our capacity almost overnight, launched tailored support like rough sleeper packs and haven’t slowed down since,” Fitzgerald said. “Ultimately, it’s a commitment to meet people where they are, on their streets, in their neighbourhoods, with dignity and care.”
To learn more about soup vans and SVDPV’s services, please visit their website.
Read also: St Vincent De Paul Society and Grill’d mark milestone for 10,000+ meals donated
Geraldine is currently the Content Producer for Third Sector, an Akolade channel. Throughout her career, she has written for various industries and international audiences. Her love for writing extends beyond the corporate world, as she also works as a volunteer writer at her local church. Aside from writing, she is also fond of joining fun runs and watching musicals.
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