10 years of good food and friendship

THE members of Ballarat Wholefoods Collective are celebrating ten years of sustainability, friendship, and delicious, fresh, locally grown produce this September.

Launched in 2013, the not-for-profit, volunteer run enterprise offers ecologically conscious shopping, and stocks 400 products, made up of high-quality seasonal, organic produce, staples, non-perishables, and artisan foods.

Between 20 and 30 local producers are supported by Wholefoods, which is self-sustainable at 130 members, and has a focus on helping people live waste-free, and healthily.

Founder Wendy Aston said she’s proud of the sense of community, and innovation that has been created amongst members.

“There have been many stories of friendship, and recipes shared, within Wholefoods,” she said. “Members have become best friends, and we’ve fostered friendships with the growers.

“We have so many people behind the scenes; great committees, sub-committees, and the members who are our shoppers. If you don’t have good shoppers, you haven’t got Wholefoods.

“We’re always open to new ideas. For new people to Ballarat, the collective can connect them to everything.”

By purchasing items like milk, bread, honey, eggs, coffee, flour, oats, or mushrooms at the collective, shoppers are enjoying food from the Ballarat region.

As part of 10th birthday celebrations, the next Ballarat Wholefoods Collective workshop, op shop, and vintage market day is this Saturday 2 September, 10am to 1pm at Barkly Square.

“This is an extension of what we believe in; the no-waste ethos,” Mrs Aston said. “You don’t have to go to a shop and buy something new to get dressed up.

“It’s also nice for those selling their clothes to know who buys them.

“We’ll have 70 vintage and pre-loved clothing stalls, a kimchi workshop, a jigsaw swap, food, membership giveaways, and we’ll be celebrating all day.”

The grassroots initiative was an instant success when it opened a decade ago, gaining hundreds of supporters overnight, and operating out of Mrs Aston’s home.

The collective moved to the Brown Hill Cricket Club, before becoming one of the first tenants of BGT’s Barkly Square in 2019.

“It’s been the best move,” Mrs Aston said. “To be with other likeminded groups and offer members and non-members the opportunity to shop here is great.

“We’re not about making money, and we’re offering something for everybody.”

Ballarat Wholefoods Collective is open Thursdays, 9am to 1pm, and 5pm to 6.30pm, and Saturdays, 9am to 12 pm.

Visit ballaratwholefoodscollective.com for more information.

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