An innovative fresh fruit and vegetable voucher program all about dignity, choice and nutrition
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Grocer Gift Card program
The Community Grocer believes that there needs to be an appropriate, dignified and sustainable approach to addressing food insecurity in Australia.
The Grocer Gift Program was launched in 2021 and enables those who do not have money to shop at our markets, to still access the fruit and vegetables they need and want at our engaging and inclusive local marketplaces, supporting those in the community who are experiencing critical food insecurity.
Grocer Gift Cards are provided to people in need through local partner agencies, either as a physical or digital card. Each Gift Card has a unique QR code, generated on our purpose-built web platform, which enables recipients to shop at our fresh food markets and purchase produce to the value of their card, across multiple transactions if preferred. Grocer Gift Cards enable recipients across Victoria to access to culturally appropriate and nutritious food for their household in a dignified and inclusive marketplace setting.
Beyond Food Relief
While many local organisations have access to funds to provide their community members with food relief, often the labour involved in preparing food hampers or sourcing affordable and high-quality food items (particularly fresh food) is significant. In addition, despite best intentions, traditional food relief presents challenges relying on donations where food provided is unfamiliar, can’t create whole meals, can’t be stored properly, or is of poor quality. Using vouchers (or Grocer Gift Cards) allows recipients to choose their produce in a marketplace setting, ensuring the food they take home with them is familiar, culturally appropriate, and can be prepared or cooked using their available resources, knowledge and skills.
Power in partnerships
The Community Grocer model is founded on the importance of partnerships that strengthen our communities’ sense of ownership over the markets. Partnerships are also crucial to Grocer Gift. Our community partners are the ones that can conduct assessment intakes for their clients, determining their needs and distributing Grocer Gift Cards where appropriate. This allows both us and our community partners to do what we do best.
If you would like to know more about our Grocer Gift Card Program or discuss becoming a partner, please contact us at hello@thecommunitygrocer.com.au.