Yum in a Box is taking the stress out of school lunches
For parents, school term can be a bit like bootcamp – you work, you ferry around the kids to school, activities and play dates, you make dinner, you put them to bed…and then you have to make school lunches! Northern suburbs local Erin Matts, founder of Yum in a Box, is tackling lunchbox fatigue and […]
How this Wollongong bakery saves food from landfill and gives back to the community
You might know Alexander’s Bakery Southside for its delicious burek or as a go-to for your morning coffee. What’s less visible is its commitment to reducing environmental impact and supporting people in need—values that drive the bakery’s daily operations. We spoke with owner Carla Urosevski about how these principles come to life, and how a […]
Fair Food Champion: Dr Katherine Kent
From spotlighting invisible hunger to partnering with grassroots initiatives, Dr Katherine Kent is reshaping how we understand and respond to food insecurity. As part of the Food Fairness Illawarra Coordination Team and a researcher at the University of Wollongong, Katherine brings both academic insight and on-the-ground experience to the table. We spoke with her about […]
Wollongong’s Green Connect Urban Farm Goes Independent to Grow Local Impact
Wollongong’s much-loved urban farm, Green Connect, is entering a new era. After years under the umbrella of Community Resources, the award-winning urban farm is now an independent entity — a move that reflects its deep commitment to local, community-led change. While others scale up, Green Connect is digging deeper, offering meaningful employment pathways, organic produce, […]
Regional Food Donation Coordinator Program Update – March 2025
In 2024, Healthy Cities Illawarra was proud to spearhead a Regional Food Coordinator program as the very first region in NSW to do so, thanks to generous funding from the NSW Environmental Protection Authority. We are fortunate to have a food rescue and relief sector that collectively rescues a vast amount of food to feed […]
What’s on Your Plate? New Research Reveals Illawarra’s Food Habits & Challenges
We asked, you spoke. Last year, we teamed up with incredible researchers at the University of Wollongong for the ‘Let’s Talk About Food’ survey, conducted with more than 700 households in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions. The survey explored your thoughts on locally produced food and your shopping habits, as well as assessed the prevalence […]
Fair Food Champion: Jules Mitry
Every ‘Gong local knows Balinese Spice Magic – if you’re anything like us and appreciate good food, you might even be extremely familiar with its menu. For founder Jules Mitry, food is more than just nourishment—it’s a story, a tradition, and a way to bring people together. From sourcing fresh, local ingredients to creating healing […]
Building Local Food Systems: A Conversation with Councillor Jess Whittaker
From expanding community gardens to advocating for dedicated local food coordinator positions, Councillor Jess Whittaker is working to make fresh, affordable, local food more accessible across our region. We sat down with Jess to explore how she plans to strengthen our local food system and create more opportunities for community-led food initiatives. 1) We understand a […]
Regional Food Donation Coordinator Program Update – January 2025
In 2024, Healthy Cities Illawarra was proud to spearhead a Regional Food Coordinator program as the very first region in NSW to do so, thanks to generous funding from the NSW Environmental Protection Authority. We are fortunate to have a food rescue and relief sector that collectively rescues a vast amount of food to feed […]
Eight food organisations you can volunteer at in the Illawarra this festive season
‘Tis the season of giving! Whether you have a few hours or a few days to spare this festive period, your time and effort is one of the most valuable gifts you can share with our community. There are so many incredible local organisations who would love your help in creating real change and reaching […]