New hub seeks to grow food security

BENDIGO Foodshare has launched a community-based project called the Grow Cook Share Food Hub with the aim of increasing the amount of locally grown, made and culturally suitable food in the area.

The project was funded by VicHealth as part of its work to make local food systems more inclusive and accessible.

Bendigo Foodshare’s community engagement manager Bridget Bentley said the project would be a community-wide effort.

“We are working with local producers, young people, and our multicultural communities to grow, cook, share and sell food to showcase our amazing food culture,” she said.

“We’re committed to meeting our community where they’re at, which means connecting with key places within our community.

“This includes such places as Golden Gum Farms, The Old Church Growers Market, Peppergreen Farm and at schools and community houses.”

The Old Church on the Hill CEO Rosita Vincent said the project would help the community group expand on already existing programs.

“The Old Church on The Hill community has a real aspiration to strengthen the local food basket,” she said.

“We want to encourage people from right across the community that might not consider local food choices to engage in the local space for their fruit and vegetables.

“We have been trying to and doing what we can for years, but it’s great to have Foodshare and this project come along to get it more established.”

With the $650,000 project funding, Foodshare has hired workers to start growing fruit and vegetables at Golden Gums Farm in Strathfieldsaye.

The food is now making its way out into the community.

“We are already distributing our fresh produce in a number of ways,” she said.

“It’s being sold at supermarket prices through the local Old Church Growers Market, given out through Foodshare’s food relief network and being served on customer plates in Bendigo restaurants and cafes who value local produce.”