A Montrose-based volunteer organisation has nearly doubled its food rescue efforts and significantly expanded its community programs following support from the Victorian State Government.
Montrose Community Cupboard was a grateful recipient of the Community Food Relief Program 2024–2025 Local Grant, which has enabled the organisation to dramatically increase its reach across Montrose, Kilsyth and surrounding areas.
Through the grant, Montrose Community Cupboard upgraded its food storage infrastructure, including commercial freezers and storage systems, allowing food to be distributed more efficiently to its growing membership base. Since receiving the grant in December 2024, membership has increased from 5000 to more than 7000 local residents.
Volunteer capacity has also seen significant growth. Improved induction processes and training materials supported the expansion of the volunteer team from 65 to 124 volunteers, strengthening both retention and service delivery.
The funding has enabled the introduction of additional weekly weekday markets, a monthly market for older residents, and monthly community meals catering for up to 100 guests at a time. These initiatives have focused not only on food relief, but also on reducing social isolation, improving wellbeing and fostering intergenerational connections.
One volunteer shared the impact of the community meals, saying, “I love how the community meal has brought together many people who were feeling isolated but now have a sense of belonging as regulars. It’s wonderful seeing people who were once strangers happily connecting with one another.”
The organisation has also strengthened partnerships with Japara Neighbourhood House, Montrose Township Group and Montrose Church of Christ, while establishing new collaborations with FoodFilled and OzHarvest. As a result, food rescue has increased from an average of 10 tonnes per month in 2024 to almost 20 tonnes per month in 2025.
Markets are held at rotating locations, including Montrose Library, the Montrose Cottage and Japara Bridge House in Kilsyth, while community meals in 2025 were hosted at Montrose Public Hall. From 2026, meals will be held at Kilsyth Memorial Hall.
The first free food market for 2026 will be held on Saturday 3 January at Japara Bridge House from 3pm to 4pm. The markets happen every Saturday. Find all the dates and locations by visiting the website: montrosecommunitycupboard.org
The first community meal for 2026 will be held on Sunday 22 February from 5.30pm. No referrals or healthcare cards are needed to access either of these services; everyone from the community is welcome.
Simone Ritchie, the volunteer coordinator for Montrose Community Cupboard, said the funding had been transformative for the organisation and the community it serves.
“This support from the Victorian State Government has allowed us to respond to increasing demand while strengthening community connection. We are incredibly proud of what our volunteers and partners have achieved together and we are looking forward to a great year ahead in 2026.”
Montrose Community Cupboard operates food cupboards at 7 Leith Road, Montrose and 49 Durham Road, Kilsyth, continuing its mission to ensure access to food and connection for all members of the local community.
To find out more, visit the website: montrosecommunitycupboard.org or follow along on facebook.com/groups/montrosecommunitycupboard
