Food, Community and Change: Continuing to Respond Together

If there is one thing we've learned over the last 10–15 years, it's that food programs can never stand still. At Clunes Neighbourhood House, our food initiatives have continually evolved in response to the changing needs of our community. Sometimes those changes have come from within our town that we - in true Clunes fashion - have tackled on our own. Increasingly, however, they have been driven by factors well beyond Clunes; rising living costs, supply chain disruptions, transport costs and broader economic uncertainty. For a small country town, responding to these challenges means being adaptable.

Over the years we've tried many different approaches. We've hosted shared community meals, supported emergency food relief, built partnerships with organisations across the region, and worked hard to connect residents with services that can help - even when those services sometimes have boundaries that stop just short of Clunes. We've learned that food security isn't just about putting food on a table. It's about connection, dignity, belonging and making sure people know they aren't facing tough times alone.

Thank you and Happy 'Retirement' to our Food Volunteer Team

This year our volunteers have continued to trial different ways of responding. Alongside face-to-face dinners, we've expanded our #FoodisFree network with a new stand, making it even easier for people to access fresh produce and pantry staples when they need them. Each week, volunteers collect fresh produce and surplus food that would otherwise go to waste and redistribute it through our local #FoodisFree sites. It's a practical response to both food insecurity and food waste — two challenges that often sit side by side.

As with any community-led program, however, change is inevitable.

After an incredible five years of service (for some, two-and-a-half years for others), the dedicated volunteer team behind our Resident's Meals program is retiring. As a result, our Resident's Meals will be ceasing for the time being.

For the many years, Christine, Katherine, Janet and Mick have faithfully prepared weekly dinners, delivered meals, made school lunches and, more recently, hosted the much-loved monthly Resident's Table gatherings at the Town Hall. Week after week they shopped locally, made the most of excess produce and transformed simple ingredients into delicious, affordable and welcoming meals for our community.

Bank Strengthens #FoodisFree

While we're sad to see the end of the Resident's Table evenings, we're also excited about what comes next and suspect that will be further strengthening of our #FoodisFree

We're delighted to acknowledge the generous support of the Creswick & District Community Bank Benevolent Fund, whose recent donation will help cover the petrol costs associated with collecting Foodbank supplies for Clunes. This practical support makes a real difference, helping volunteers continue to bring food into town and ensuring our #FoodisFree sites remain stocked and accessible. The bank, their staff and Directors at the Creswick brank have been strong supporters of our community, working closely with us to understand the unqiue challenges that impact us as we navigate existing food security systems, and their foresight and care means we'll be able to bring 550kgs of fresh produce to #FoodisFree each week for the next 12 months.

Neighbours Helping Neighbours

Today, Clunes is fortunate to have two #FoodisFree locations supporting the community. These stands reflect something we value deeply: neighbours helping neighbours. Sometimes that means sharing excess vegetables from the garden. Sometimes it's collecting surplus food that would otherwise go to waste. Sometimes it's simply making sure someone has access to food when they need it most.

The programs may change. The delivery methods may evolve. But the goal remains the same as it has always been: building a community where people care for one another and where nobody is left behind.

As we look ahead, we'll continue listening, adapting and working alongside our volunteers, partners and residents to respond to whatever challenges come next.

Because food has never just been about food. It's about community.