EVERY dollar invested in Geelong’s social supermarkets generates an estimated $123 in social and economic value, according to new research highlighting the broader benefits of food relief services.<\/p>\n
The study, commissioned by the Regional Food Security Alliance (RFSA), found social supermarkets generated an average of $75.20 in social and economic value for every $1 invested, placing Geelong’s estimated return well above the average.<\/p>\n
Geelong Foodshare chief executive Andrew Schauble said social supermarkets support people beyond food security.<\/p>\n
“Social supermarkets, such as ours at Geelong Foodshare, are transformational, not transactional where food becomes the gateway to conversation and long-term positive social change,” he said.<\/p>\n
With more people facing financial pressure, Schauble said the demographics of people seeking food relief have shifted.<\/p>\n
He said increasing numbers of individuals and families who previously did not need assistance are now seeking support, despite no changes in income.<\/p>\n
Rising cost-of-living pressures and fuel price spikes in 2026 have contributed to growing demand.<\/p>\n
This shift has also changed how Geelong Foodshare operates, with social supermarkets now open more frequently outside standard hours.<\/p>\n
“We want to see social change and that’s where we see the wraparound services that our partners provide is really, really important to support the community to make change and to see how they can grow,” Schauble said.<\/p>\n
Collaboration with other Geelong agencies remains central to Foodshare’s work and allows it to better deliver food security support to the community.<\/p>\n
Schauble said the return on investment findings confirm the broader impact of the service.<\/p>\n
“It’s surprises you just because it really shows the impact you have,” he said.<\/p>\n
“We have a $39m impact on our community.<\/p>\n
“The ability for us to turn investment and support into really significant multiplication for the community is really valuable and that is where we see our role.”<\/p>\n
Geelong Foodshare operates two social supermarkets in North Geelong and Geelong CBD, and works with more than 70 agencies across the region to address food insecurity.<\/p>\n
The RFSA research is the first of its kind in Australia and found four regional social supermarkets in Victoria generated $68m in value.<\/p>\n
The study was conducted between August and December 2025, involving 34 stakeholder interviews, surveys of 482 food recipients and 93 volunteers.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
EVERY dollar invested in Geelong’s social supermarkets generates an estimated $123 in social and economic value, according to new research highlighting the broader benefits of food relief services. The study, commissioned by the Regional Food Security Alliance (RFSA), found social supermarkets generated an average of $75.20 in social and economic value for every $1 invested, […]<\/p>\n