Food group seeks to cut back on footprint

BUNINYONG Community Collective’s aim is to get the community together to help reduce their environmental footprint by reducing food miles, packaging and supporting local growers.

With 33 signed up members and 12 dry goods items for sale each Tuesday committee member Hayley Quach said, “We are on our way and we will grow.”

The Collective, operating from Buninyong’s Anglican Church hall, was kicked off with funding from Grampians Central West Waste and Resource Recovery Group and Ballarat Renewable Energy and Zero Emissions – BREAZE to assist with set up costs.

Operating as an independent sub group of BREAZE, initial membership joining fees financed the purchase of the stock which is sold at cost price plus a small margin.

While most of the Collective’s members are from Buninyong and surrounds, they have reciprocal rights with other collectives in Ballarat and Creswick.

Ms Quach said, “Members can shop using their own containers, bags or jars purchasing food we buy in bulk to reduce packaging.”

“Fresh produce, where ever possible from local growers, is the next thing we want to introduce and there is a long-term plan to introduce refrigerated goods.”

The Collective is open on Tuesdays from 9.00am to 11.00am and 5.00pm to 7.00pm at the Buninyong Anglican Church hall at 405 Scott Street Buninyong.