A note on Journey Boxes:

We know that fruit and vegetables can be expensive, especially culturally relevant produce, but try to balance cost with sustainable practices.

The Journey Project, which commenced in Mar 2022, is our food security initiative to ensure households on a lower income are able to access fresh, nutritious, sustainable, culturally appropriate fruits and vegetables over a 30 week period or as a one-off helping hand.

The Pay-it-Forward donation option is ring-fenced to fund the Journey Project. Any funds received via this option will not be used for operations.

Additionally, patrons may wish to contribute towards our operational costs through our Keeping the Lights On donation box. At the time of writing, we are not funded, so choosing this option means that you are contributing towards our core work in the Merri-bek area.

It is so important to us that you know exactly where your money is going, so if you have any questions at all, please come and speak to us. Our books are ...(wait for it...) an open book!

Updates:

Apr 2023: We have a new mobile phone number: 0491627208 and also have a really lovely Whatsapp group, to which you are very welcome!

Apr 2023: We are taking a short break over the Easter long weekend to recharge and rest. We will be closed on Fri 7 April. The next pick up 14 April, so we hope to see you then, bright eyed and bushy tailed! <3

Feb 2023: We've expanded our market stall! We now also have treats from Back Alley Bakes and Merri Creek Urban Farm - look out for stuff near the till :)

Jan 2023: We are back for 2023 on Friday, 13 Jan and we are so excited to see you! Pick up is available from Jukes Road or the Glenroy library. Pick ups from Reyanrd Street Neighbourhood House will recommence at the end of January :) :)

Dec 2022: We also have two new pick up sites: Glenroy library and the Reynard Street Neighbourhood House! For tiny tiny fee, you can pick up your veggies closer to home, thanks to the wonderful staff at your local library. So sorry, but we can't delivery Test Kitchen meals or sweets.

Who we are:

We are a not for profit organisation that works towards an efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable food system for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind (extracted from here).

What we do:

1. Focus on providing an affordable, safe and consistent supply of culturally relevant fruit and vegetables to Merri-bek residents.

2. Seek partnerships with growers and suppliers who are local and who use environmentally-sustainable practises as a priority.

3. Establish the Journey Project that provides low-cost, high-quality fruit and vegetable boxes to vulnerable households in the Fawkner area. These boxes (called Journey Boxes) will be indistinguishable from those purchased by full price paying customers, thereby levelling the playing field and giving dignity to program participants.

4. Remunerate workers as we recognise that volunteer hours are a privilege and that a living wage is key to growth for all.

5. Establish the Test Kitchen, as a space for folks to develop ideas and skills to set up their own businesses.