According to a report released last week, about 300,000 Victorians go hungry each year, with 25 per cent of the demand for additional food unmet. This is the equivalent of an extra 15,804 kilograms per week of food that is needed to support those going hungry.

The report, by relief groups FareShare, SecondBite and VicRelief Food Bank, included interviews with more than 100 community food providers. It also found that program operators had to buy more than a third of the food they needed each year.

Kensington-based SecondBite deals with numerous agencies in Moonee Valley and the City of Melbourne.

Executive director Katy Barfield said it urgently needed more providers.

"We are calling on primary producers, wholesalers, distributors, markets, supermarkets and all food businesses to help us make up this shortfall and fill the fridges, freezers and coolrooms of Victorian charities.

"Our priorities are milk, meat, fruit and vegetables - these food groups are vital for people's mental and physical well-being. As a society we have a responsibility to ensure that people living in disadvantaged circumstances are provided with the necessary ingredients for good health."

The report also looked at the infrastructure of food relief agencies to be able to meet the growing food relief requirements of Victoria.

Yarraville-based VicRelief Food Bank chief executive Ric Benjamin said more efficient methods of storage and transport for donated food needed to be investigated.

Foodbank works with SecondBite to distribute food to Moonee Valley charities at the Flemington flats, to the Salvation Army, and to schools with breakfast programs.

"Solving the transport and storage puzzle is critical to charities providing food," Mr Benjamin said.

Last year SecondBite, VicRelief Food Bank and FareShare donated a combined total of more than 4.5million kilograms of fresh food and meals to Victorian community food programs. Despite this the survey showed an enormous unmet need in Victoria.

The report revealed that for community food programs to meet demand for food relief each week they need:

■3400kg of fruit, 72 per cent more than what is now donated;

■3700kg of vegetables, 68 per cent more;

■4100kg of meat, 112 per cent more; and

■2100 litres of milk, 107 per cent more than what is now donated.

To contact SecondBite phone 93763800.