Food insecurity remains a pressing issue across the NEPHU catchment, with rates significantly higher in some local government areas than the state average. The Food Collective was designed to create an equitable and sustainable food system by improving access to affordable, nutritious food, reducing financial strain, providing employment opportunities and strengthening community connections.
The evaluation, conducted by First Person Consulting with funding from NEPHU, highlights the diverse range of services offered through the Food Collective. These include a weekly produce market, a culturally appropriate food relief service, a café and catering service at Melbourne Polytechnic, a produce box program, and a grocery service. Alongside these service, the Food Collective also delivers school-based food education, operates a demonstration garden, while also providing training and employment pathways for young people and individuals from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
Some of the key findings from the evaluation of the Food Collective include:
- Extensive community reach – In 2023-24 the initiative had reached more than 2,100 customers through its market and food box scheme, while distributing over 2,700 food packages to households in need
- High quality, affordable and accessible produce – The Food Collective provides access to quality, fresh, and affordable produce exceeding typical food relief standards
- Dignified food relief – Empowers individuals to choose their own produce with dignity and autonomy
- Social connectivity – Strengthens social connections fostered by safe spaces for interaction, and opportunities for cultural exchange
The evaluation highlights that innovative, place-based approaches like the Food Collective not only address food insecurity but also create broader health, social, and economic benefits for the community.
