It's called the Food Assist Network and it's Maitland Council's latest COVID-19 initiative to ensure those who provide food to the needy can continue operating during these difficult times.
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Council officially kicked off the program on Wednesday - which will entail a combination of support funding and also removing red tape to help operators continue.
"We had found that some food providers had been forced to shut for a variety of reasons at what is obviously a crucial time," Emily Livens, council's Coordinator Recreational and Community Planning said.
"So we sat down with them and worked through ways they could continue to operate.
"In some cases it was ensuring they get an ongoing supply of takeaway containers, in others it was making sure they have a steady supply of food from supermarkets to hand out, while with others it was to help with social distancing issues. Whatever was required, really."
Ms Livens said anecdotally council was hearing of a significant spike in the number of people looking for assistance.
"With COVID-19 a lot of people find themselves out of work for the first time and they don't know what's available, or where they can access it," she said. "But it's obvious that these food service providers are more important than ever.
"This is about making it easier for both the provider and the person looking for assistance to get together.
"So many people have been affected by this that there's no need for anyone to feel uncomfortable about coming forward.
"And one of the lovely things we've seen is the providers pooling their resources in a coordinated way ... with the result we're seeing in many cases is cooked meals delivered to the door."
Food providers assist in a number of ways in Maitland - it could be anything from food vouchers, to delivery services, fresh fruit hampers, or frozen pre-cooked meals.
"We have hot free meals available in the city on certain nights too," Ms Livens said.
"Obviously social distancing has to be taken into consideration here, but in many of the cases it's important because it's a big part of people's social interaction."
Council has also budgeted up to $50,000 to Maitland Neighbourhood Centre for a range of services.
There will also be a council flyer go out shortly with information on the help available to families feeling the pinch.
