The Community Grocer

Key points

• Community-based markets increase social, economic and physical access to healthy food
• The Community Grocer reaches around 400 households at its weekly markets across six locations in Melbourne
• The majority of customers are unemployed or living on low incomes

The Community Grocer (TCG) has been providing low-cost fresh food and groceries to people on low incomes in Victoria since 2014. TCG is a not-for-profit social enterprise that aims to increase social, economic and physical access to food through community markets that supply culturally appropriate food at affordable prices.

Community markets for dignified access to food

TCG runs six community markets in inner city and outer suburban locations, where communities experience socio-economic disadvantage and food insecurity is high. The markets are open to everyone and create an inclusive gathering space. The weekly markets play an important role in building community connections and reducing social isolation, with many customers reporting that they feel more connected to the community [1].

More than 150 types of culturally appropriate fresh fruit and vegetables are available at the markets, and research has shown that the price of fresh produce is on average 30% more affordable than surrounding fresh food outlets in the local area.

TCG’s Grocer Gift program enables community organisations to provide vouchers that help people purchase fresh fruit, vegetables and eggs at their community markets. TCG aims to provide a viable and dignified model to address food insecurity, and to keep communities healthy and connected through food [2].