Foodbank Victoria’s Farms to Families initiative is providing a new model for food distribution in disadvantaged communities. As Victoria’s largest provider of food relief, Foodbank is continually finding new and innovative ways to get more food to more people, more of the time.
With the support of the Department of Health and Human Service’s Thrive initiative, Foodbank has been working with local agencies in the City of Whittlesea to develop a new model of food distribution that brings farm fresh food, local families and the community together. The Farms to Families initiative runs pop-up farmers markets in disadvantaged communities to provide fresh produce to local families, help foster community connectivity and break down the stigma associated with seeking food relief.
This initiative not only supports those experiencing food insecurity, but also supports farmers by purchasing surplus or slightly imperfect stock.
Since the start of 2016, over 91,000 kilograms of fresh fruit and vegetables has been shared with individuals and families at 25 pop-up markets.
With the ongoing support of corporate and community partners, Foodbank hopes to continue to ensure that everyone in Victoria has access to the fresh food they need to be healthy and connected members of their communities.
For more information on the Farms to Families program, visit the Foodbank Victoria website.
Submit your story!