Did you know at any given time, approximately 21,600 Illawarra residents face food insecurity, meaning they are not able to access food that meets their health and cultural needs?
Food insecurity impacts not only health, but also education and employment, and can have long term impacts for individuals, families and communities. Meanwhile, tonnes of edible food goes to waste every week. In this newsletter we delve deeper into these vexing and critical issues.
In the Illawarra, we are lucky to have a range of of fantastic organisations working to help provide nutritious meals at a low to no cost. Many of these are volunteer run, which means there are plenty of opportunities to be involved! So whether you would like information on how and where to access low cost and free meals, or if you would like to donate food, volunteer, or get involved in some other way, please read on!
Illawarra: Guide to Donating Food
As the above video hightlights, our web-based guide is an extension of our work to make it easier to get involved and increase food donations in our region. This project was made possible by the NSW Government Waste Less Recycle More initiative, funded from the waste levy.
Click here to the guide
Fair Food Champions: Nicole and Saxon from OzHarvest.
We are fortunate to have OzHarvest operating in the Illawarra, with drivers Nicole and Saxon at the forefront. OzHarvest is Australia’s leading food rescue organisation, which collects quality excess food from commercial outlets and delivering it directly to organisations that support community members in need.
Click here for more
Low Cost and Free Meals Directory
From breakfast and cuppa to low cost groceries with free fruits, veggies and bread, check out the many organisations within our community that provide budget friendly meals and hampers to those who need it.
Click here for more
Organisations Accepting Food Donations
You can help provide daily meals for homeless or disadvantaged community members by donating food to a relief organisation. There are multiple organisations that accept food donations in the Illawarra region.
Click here for more
Organisations Accepting Food Donations
You can help provide daily meals for homeless or disadvantaged community members by donating food to a relief organisation. There are multiple organisations that accept food donations in the Illawarra region.
Click here for more
Donation Hamper Guide
When preparing a donation Hamper it is important to consider factors such as the cultural background of the recipients.
Download PDF for more info
Volunteering with a Community Organisation
Volunteering is an excellent opportunity to get involved with the fair food community. Many food relief organisations and community centres run on a low budget so volunteers are always welcomed.
Click here for more
Advocate, Educate and Support
Starting conversations among our communities, in schools and organisations is a great way to advocate about food insecurity. Share tips on how to donate and what to do with surplus food.
Click here for more
An awesome database of fair food events in the Illawarra region and online such as workshops, seminars, markets, community garden days, and cooking classes. We’ve listed a few exciting events coming up in the fair food calendar:
Darkes Forest Apple Picking Tours | Weekends
You will be driven on the ‘Orchard Explorer’ tractor train and hear secrets of how to find and pick the best apples. There will be plenty of time to wander the rows and pick your own (while munching on some free from the tree!).
Click here for more
Green Connect Workshops
Wild Edible Foraging with Diego Bonette | 20th March | 1.30pm – 5pm |
Click here for more
Intro to Beekeeping | 27th March | 9.00am – 12.30pm
Click here for more
First Saturday of the Month (6th March) | 9:30am – 2:30pm
Boutique market focused on your holistic health and sustainability. Free Tai Chi and meditation at 10am along with local food, produce and craft stalls.
Click here for more
Woonona Community Garden | Every Saturday | 8.30am – 10:30am
Bring a mug and wear your gardening clothes: including gloves and a hat. New and experienced gardeners welcome.
Click here for more
Moonacres | Robertson
Coiled Basketry with Plant Fibres | 8th March | 9.30am-12pm
Click here for more
The Reuben of your Dreams, Southern Highlands Style | 19th March | 6pm- 9pm
Click here for more
Shellharbour Multicultural Festival
Cultural Treasures | 15th-19th March |
Click here for more.
Indian Cooking Class | 17th March | 10am- 12pm
Click here for more.
Jam n Bread Workshop | 18th March | 11:30am-1:30pm
Click here for more.