Food for Thought

People across Australia are feeling the squeeze right now. Rising costs of living impact us all and for many, food insecurity is now a reality, exacerbated by the war and petrol crisis. Demand for support isn't decreasing and for country towns like Clunes, this means thinking differently about how everyone can get food on their table.

Food systems

Over recent years, food security organisations have developed increasingly sophisticated systems to connect people with food relief. From “supermarket-style” food hubs to integrated service centres that combine meals with wraparound supports, these models are thoughtful, dignified, and effective - if you can access them. But that’s the catch.

For rural communities like Clunes, distance changes everything.

It makes sense that services are located in larger population centres, but the unintended consequence is that inequalities widen for smaller communities.

How we've tackled it

For 15 years, our community has worked hard to develop a self-funding model that provided weekly meals for up to 75 households at its peak. It was consistent, local, and deeply embedded in the community. This model served us well for nearly two decades, but by the end of 2024, rising costs were beginning to outstrip our town's ability to keep those meals viable. Ingredients and operational costs all climbed, the needs of our community shifted and orders were dropping, we couldn't secure food security funding and as a result, something had to change.

So, we 'pivoted'. It's an over-used word these days, but it has turned out that it wasn't a bad thing then and might not be again.

Throughout 2025 we pushed through, but in the end we partnered with the local health service to redirect those most in need to Meals on Wheels, ensuring continued access to regular meals. At the same time, we shifted our own focus to a monthly, face-to-face community meal. This new model is about more than food, it’s about connection. It brings people together, strengthens relationships, and creates a space where local groups can share news, opportunities, and support.

In many ways, the benefits of connecting mean that this pivot will bring with it new rewards.

Another 'Pivot'?

But we’re under no illusion: one low-cost meal a month (even with leftovers to take home) doesn’t solve the ongoing pressure on household budgets.

Each week, Clunes Neighbourhood House works to bridge that gap. Our volunteers collect fresh produce and “soon-to-be out-of-date” refrigerated items and distribute them across our two #foodisfree sites in town. It’s a practical, immediate response, that doesn't put pressure on our local businesses to subsidise relief needs, but it's not a sustainable model.

Petrol costs are high, even with the assistance our local petrol station offers. Fresh food has a short shelf life. And with collections happening weekly, there are still long stretches between access points. Quite simply, there are too many gaps.

So, what can we do?

What rural communities like ours need now is a shift in how support flows to us? How do we remain connected to central food security systems without resorting to approaches that put unacceptable pressure on volunteers (where they incur costs for example) or local businesses? It's a big systems question that many rural Neighbourhood Houses are asking, but in the meantime, there are some simple things that individuals can do locally.

Can you help us to:

• Access to more staple items, the kind that last longer (especially on a #foodisfree stall in the open air) and form the backbone of everyday meals?

• We need simple, accessible ideas that help people turn one or two ingredients into something nourishing. Turning #foodisfree items into a meal sometimes requires inspiration!

• We need a register of local people who travel into bigger centres for work - just in case we can ask you to help pick up a donation or hamper

• ...plus we need hands, people who can spare a little time each week to help pack hampers on a Thursday.

This is what community-led food security looks like in a small town. It’s resourceful, it’s adaptive, and it’s built on people showing up for each other. Who knows, while we work to tackle this issue, we might be able come up with something to solve the big systems question as well?!

If you’re able to help, simply email manager@clunesnh.org, call 5345 4078 or simply pop in on Tues - Thurs between 9.30am - 2pm.