More than 100 community members came together online Friday, 29 May to mark the official launch of a bold new initiative to transform the region’s food system: the Illawarra Regional Food Hub.
Food Insecurity is Rising in the Illawarra
Food insecurity in the Illawarra has reached critical levels with 38% of households across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven struggling to put food on the table, and 61% of residents say the cost of food is the biggest barrier to eating well. At the same time, large volumes of good food are wasted due to fragmented systems, limited storage, and uncoordinated logistics.
The Solution is Ready
The Illawarra Regional Food Hub, spearheaded by Healthy Cities Australia, will provide a centralised solution to rescue, store and redistribute surplus food from local producers, retailers and hospitality venues to food relief organisations across the region. Currently, more than 37 organisations operate independently, often with limited resources and infrastructure, restricting their ability to meet growing demand. The initiative aims to address what organisers describe as “a system problem, not a supply problem.”
“This is about creating a smarter, more connected system that ensures good food feeds people, not landfill,” said Kelly Andrews, CEO from Healthy Cities Australia. “The model is practical, ready to go, and backed by strong community partnerships.”
We Need Our Community
The project, supported by a coalition of local organisations including Anglicare, OzHarvest, SecondBite, Vinnies and more, is now seeking to raise $137,000 to launch Stage 1, with a target opening date of October 2026. Funding will go towards critical infrastructure such as a refrigerated van, storage facilities and securing a dedicated premises.
Healthy Cities Australia are calling on the community, businesses and supporters to contribute to the campaign and help bring the Hub to life.
“Without action, families will continue to go without, and valuable food will be wasted,” Ms. Andrews said. “With this Hub, we can build a long-term solution that strengthens our entire community.”
To donate please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-illawarra-regional-food-hub
