Building a healthier future through the Melton Food Systems Collective
Published on 21 May 2025
What we eat – our diet – is one of the biggest drivers of health and well-being.
Melton City Council is working with local service providers to establish the Melton Food Systems Collective that aims to:
- build better food systems in the local area
- improve food insecurity
- reduce barriers to accessing nutritious and affordable food.
Here’s a look at some of the exciting projects already underway via the Melton Food Systems Collective:
The Community Grocer Melton weekly market
The Community Grocer is a not-for-profit social enterprise bringing fresh and affordable fruit and veg to local neighbourhoods through a weekly pop-up market.
Partnering with Vichealth, Western Public Health Unit and Western Health, The Community Grocer Melton gives our locals easier access to fresh produce, helping to break down physical, economic and social barriers to good food.
Whether you're after seasonal staples or simply want to support a great local initiative, the Community Grocer Melton is one to check out.
The Community Grocer Melton runs every Friday from 8:30AM-12:30PM at Kurunjang Community Hub - 33-35 Mowbray Crescent, Kurunjang
Food Swap Project
An exciting partnership co-lead by Western Health and Melton City Council, the Food Swap Project is a series of educational workshops that helps locals access healthy and affordable food in Melton.
A key initiative of the Food Swap Project is Melton’s bi-monthly Harvest Swap Days: a chance to connect with fellow gardeners and trade surplus produce, all while enjoying a cuppa and swapping tips and stories.
Don’t miss an event - download the full calendar of events(PDF, 53KB)
Can’t make it on the day but have extras to share? Get in touch with stevensonhouse@melton.vic.gov.au to arrange a drop-off and we’ll pass your produce on to local families in need.
The project will be complemented by a series of educational workshops designed to empower the community with knowledge on how to prepare meals using locally grown produce.
What’s next?
The work doesn’t stop here – the Melton Food Systems Collective has more exciting initiatives in the pipeline, including:
- Educational workshops at Timbertop Community Garden (dates to be confirmed)
- Cold storage upgrades to support local food relief organisations and keep donated food fresher for longer – helping more Melton families access fresh and affordable food
Together, these initiatives are creating a more connected, resilient and food-secure Melton.
Learn more
Want to get involved or learn more? Visit the Food systems page for more information, and follow Melton Learning Directory on Facebook for upcoming events and workshops.
The Melton Food Systems Collective is made possible through the Melton Town Centre Revitalisation Program, funded by the Victorian Government.