By BRIDGET SCOTT
A FOOD hub has been announced for the South-East which will combine farmers from throughout the area and make fresh produce readily available.
The South-East Food Hub is a recently established initiative, taking in farmers from the area who are dedicated to provide fresh foods to their local customers.
An information session will be held tonight, Wednesday 17 September to inform the community about the new program.
Customers can order online weekly from Wednesday noon to Friday noon for delivery the following Tuesday at the buying group pick up of their choice.
The pick-up point for Cardinia Shire residents will be Outlook in Pakenham. The new initiative is open for both businesses and individuals, which will have the chance to order online direct from their local farmers.
Canteens, retirement homes, restaurants and other organisations can have the produce delivered directly.
A variety of locally grown vegetables will be available such as potatoes, pumpkins, asparagus, kale, silver beet, beetroots, onions and more.
Both organic and conventional produce is available through the hub.
The produce is often picked the day before, with prices suitable for both farmers and customers.
The initiative is a partnership between, the City of Casey, Cardinia Shire Council and Monash Health Community.
Lauren Roberts from Monash said this was the first time her organisation had been involved in anything of this kind.
“We do a lot of work with food security, this is a bit of a first,” she said.
“We are really happy to support this and hope it increases access for the community.”
She also encouraged people to come along to the information evening tonight and get a better insight into the new project.The buying groups are community-based organisations such as Outlook, Cockatoo Neighbourhood House, Selandra Community Place in Clyde North and Brain Tree Learning Solutions in Berwick.The new food hub is an opportunity for customers to connect with their growers and see where their food comes from.
