City to investigate feasibility of a regional food hub

 

The City of Greater Bendigo has begun investigating the feasibility of developing a regional food hub.

It has appointed a consultant, Bendigo-based company Growing Change, to explore viable business management and operating structures, and opportunities for food aggregation, distribution, education, production, processing and marketing local food.

Acting Director Community Wellbeing, Marg Allan, said the City was pleased to be undertaking the investigation, which follows on from recent work completed by the City such as the Food Security Report and the Active Living Census.

“Food hubs can deliver food directly from local farms to people’s forks and increase the profits and business opportunities for small farms. They can become central to coordinating emergency food relief and improving purchasing options for fresh and seasonal locally produced fresh food,” Ms Allan said.  

“A typical food hub is a combination of food relief, education and production. They connect up parts of the local food system and can improve the level of access and consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables within the community.

“International and Australian examples of food hubs show there can be many business models and strategies that can allow food hubs to be sustainable and positively contribute economically, socially and environmentally to communities.

“It is envisaged the City will help to guide potential development of a food hub and work with a range of local organisations, but will not take a lead role in running the food hub or ongoing management.”

The feasibility study is considering suitable options to build on the local food system and is investigating locations where a food hub could best respond to the needs of the community.

Independent of the study, there is a Greater Bendigo Producers Survey that asks producers what they grow or make and if they might consider donating surplus products to charity to help feed people in need. To complete the survey visit: Survey

On June 16, producers, key stakeholders and the public will be invited to an expo at the Bendigo Town Hall to discuss the local food system and preliminary findings of the feasibility study.

“Located in the Loddon Mallee food bowl, Bendigo has a significant opportunity to lead the way in supporting the availability of local, accessible fresh food,” Ms Allan said.  

“This is another way to strive towards Council’s goal of making Bendigo the most liveable regional city in Australia by helping improve the health of our community. The study will identify ways to help those people who need it most, limit food wastage and continue to develop a strong and diverse local food system.”

For more information visit City of Greater Bendigo