Social, physical, mental benefits to food-growing

MINDFULNESS and engagement feature prominently in Food is Free’s upcoming events.

Seedy Saturdays will be held on Saturday 20 June from 10am at Barkly Square.

Organiser Lou Ridsdale said volunteers during the free session will meet new people while packaging seeds for community use.

“It’s an opportunity to be able to sit side by side, so you’re not facing people and be able to do some activities together,” she said.

“It takes the pressure off having to feel like you have to talk or don’t have to talk.

“Given that there’s a very high percentage of our population who identify as lonely, it’s a really lovely opportunity to be able to just feel relaxed in a safe setting.”

The seeds are packaged and dispersed to Food is Free sites across the city.

“It’s a great opportunity for people to actually share tips with each other too,” Ridsdale said.

“I tend to find that people just literally jump right in and start talking about what each other are growing in their gardens and tips on what is and isn’t growing well this season.

“And a lot of people have no knowledge whatsoever of seeds or food. They just want to come along for the company and do something for the community.”

She said seeds were about self-empowerment and self-sufficiency.

“Cost of living is crippling everyone,” she said. “And we know how hard it is to get certain food sometimes when there’s a shortage or a broken link in the food chain.

“To be able to actually grow your own food makes it much more powerful.”

Meanwhile, Food is Free is also hosting Qigong sessions every Sunday next month from 2pm. The first session will be held on Sunday 5 July.

Run by Klyti Green, Qigong uses gentle movement, breathwork and guided meditation to stimulate and regulate.

“It’s a really lovely thing to do as a group because once you come out of the hour, you feel really revitalised and also just very calm,” Ridsdale said.

“Everyone has the same sensation that you feel very grounded and actually present. So it’s a great practice.

“I’ve been doing it since COVID times myself, and it’s great for any mental health issues you might have, really reduces anxiety and depression.”

Tickets per session are $15. More information at events.humanitix.com/qi-gong-5-july-2026-food-is-free-inc