Devonport-based Loaves and Fishes get funding for emergency food relief days from Christmas

The Tasmanian Government says it will provide $700,000 to support Loaves and Fishes, including start-up funding and recurrent funding for three years.

Community Development Minister Roger Jaensch said the additional $35,000 package would help Loaves and Fishes help those in need during the Christmas period while a longer term solution is achieved.

"The management and staff at Loaves and Fishes do a magnificent job in assisting vulnerable Tasmanians and our Government is proud to be one of their strongest supporters," Mr Jaensch said.

But Labor senator Carol Brown, who has been lobbying for months for funding for Loaves and Fishes, said Tasmania deserved the same level of emergency food relief funding as other states.

"I welcome this interim solution for struggling Tasmanian families, but a permanent solution must be found for the ongoing viability of the vital emergency food relief provided by Loaves and Fishes," Senator Brown said.

"The reality is this is a band aid solution and, while it is welcome, what is needed is a permanent solution to this emergency food relief crisis.

"The minister and government could have provided that permanent solution at any time in the last six months.They stopped the funding - now they're handing over a tiny bit of it.

"At the round table - when this is discussed in January - a permanent solution must be sorted."

"I thank my fellow Tasmanian Senators for the ongoing joint effort to look after vulnerable Tasmanians in need."

Labor housing spokesperson Alison Standen also welcomed the announcement and said a long-term funding solution must be found for Loaves and Fishes.

"There has been an alarming increase in people seeking food assistance so it is vital we have certainty on this issue," Ms Standen said.

Loaves and Fishes provides 70 per cent of emergency food relief in Tasmania, preparing 5000 meals per week and servicing 220 community food programs and 38 school breakfast clubs with fresh produce.