Community-led fresh produce company, Box Divvy, is launching in Victoria, aiming to connect communities with farmers and food producers for fresh, Australian-grown produce for less.
The first Victorian Hub launched in Templestowe on 1 September, with further Hubs due to open in Sunbury and Croydon North over the coming weeks, amid surging demand for a fairer, more affordable alternative to supermarket shopping.
With 32 per cent of Australian households experiencing food insecurity, and 59 per cent of those at the most extreme level of hardship, affordable and healthy food has become a top priority. Box Divvy sources from mostly Australian farmers, family-owned growers and ethical local suppliers – prioritising seasonal, transparently priced food over mass-produced, imported goods.
The online food co-op has more than 330 neighbourhood hubs across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, helping over 15,000 households access fresh produce and pantry staples at prices that are, on average, 30 per cent cheaper than supermarkets.
Recent research by Western Sydney University and the University of Wollongong found that food insecurity among Box Divvy members dropped from 51 per cent to 28 per cent after joining – with people also eating significantly more fruit and vegetables – highlighting the real-world impact of community-led models like this.
Box Divvy co-founder, Jayne Travers-Drapes, said Victoria has a long history of embracing co-ops, social enterprises and values-driven initiatives, so Box Divvy feels like a natural fit.
“The response has already been incredible, with more than 50 enquiries from people wanting to be part of the movement,” said Travers-Drapes.
“People are crying out for something different – a way to access good food at a fair price while still caring about where it comes from and who benefits – and this model allows them to make a difference just by doing their weekly shop.”
The company stated it is already in talks with Victorian growers, and is looking forward to supporting more local farmers and producers as the network expands across the state.
Community members can get involved by registering interest to run a hub at boxdivvy.com, receiving full training and support from the Box Divvy team.
