By Callum Ludwig
The Japara Neighbourhood House and Montrose Community Cupboard have partnered up to help provide food relief to some of the struggling families and individuals in the community.
They recently successfully received a $25,000 Pop-up Food Relief Market grant from the Department of Family, Fairness and Housing to help continue to deliver their Community Food, garden and Education project.
Executive Officer at Japara Neighbourhood House Mark Doubleday said they were very happy that the State Government recognised the work the partnership has already done.
“We are now going to be able to expand the program and we’ve put in for some very specific community-based activities as part of a sustainable approach in response to a genuine need that exists within the community,” he said.
“Within the next six to six to eight months, we’ll have at least 12 food markets, six of those at the Bridge House on Durham road and six at other community venues in and around Kilsyth and Montrose.”
According to Census of Population and Housing 2016 statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Kilsyth was the fifth-most relatively disadvantaged postcode in the Yarra Ranges and in the 55th percentile of the state.
Mr Doubleday said sustainability and the cost of living are the two key issues behind their project.
“The Montrose Community Cupboard has got at least 20 local supermarkets that are contributing food supplies that normally would go to landfill or waste, people want to contribute to reducing waste and can do so by being a part of the food market,” he said.
“The cost of living is a real issue, we all know and if there is food available, and it’s free, and as part of an overall approach to sustainable living, it will be an assistance to helping meet the family budget. There might be some stress but it’s done in a community-minded way with a community benefit, without shame, embarrassment or need to feel discomfort in any way being involved.”
The project aims to establish the Bridge as a local hub for the community to learn and develop sustainable food practices, offer training and development for employment and offer canteen services for visitors to the Elizabeth Bridge Reserve.
Mr Doubleday said they are really excited to get this off the ground.
“It’s giving people an opportunity to express how sustainable living can be enhanced and reduce cost pressures on a family budget, it’s doing something that is needed,” he said.
“We know from community feedback that there’s a high number of people that have already expressed interest to want to be able to be part of it.”
