It’s no secret that with the rising cost of living, a global fuel crisis and an increasingly volatile and unpredictable economy, it’s undoubtedly a difficult time for individuals and families to make ends meet. According to The Salvation Army’s Cost of Living Report 2025, 90% of survey respondents stated that it has been difficult to afford essential living costs, such as housing, groceries, medical care and utilities over the past 12 months. Additionally, 70% stated that the cost of living was their biggest challenge.
We know that during tough economic periods, many of us, out of necessity cut back our spending on everyday expenses, such as food. For some, this looks like consuming less of what they are accustomed to, for others, it means relying on food relief support services to put food on the table. As a result of the current economic crisis, demand for food relief services has significantly increased. According to OzHarvest’s Frontline 2026 Report, considering the current economic climate, demand for food relief and the struggles of many charities to meet this increasing need is high, with 1 in 5 being turned away because charities don’t have enough food to support demand.
Food is one of, if not, the most important of human necessities, so it’s not surprising that when we compromise on its quantity and quality, we also compromise on our health and ability to engage fully in our day-to-day routines. Therefore, providing people with food support is one necessary strategy endorsed to ensure people don’t have to greatly compromise on this basic need and avert relevant consequences. Virginia Woolf once summed up this sentiment in a few words rather well, ‘One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well’.
In response to the current climate, Farm My School has recently launched a new pilot program called ‘Farm to Family’ which aims to support eligible families with food relief and food literacy. Over the course of Term 2 2026, the pilot has been supporting families living on the Bellarine, primarily those attending Bellarine Secondary College (where Farm My School Bellarine is located), with fresh produce from the farm and access to free workshops focused on developing skills in gardening, cooking and nutrition.
Since the commencement of the program, families have received a fresh produce box each week delivered to their address filled with an array of familiar and new veggies. Think kale, kohl rabi, beetroots, wombok (Chinese) cabbage, bok choy, fennel and much more! “It has been great to have had the opportunity to be involved in such a wonderful program, I have thoroughly enjoyed the chance to have fresh produce delivered to my door. The part I have enjoyed the most was to experience different produce that I would not normally buy”, commented Tanya.
Alongside the delicious produce, families have received versatile recipes, meal plans, cooking videos and entertaining information about the veg in their boxes, all in an effort to further support families with using and connecting to their produce. It’s been great to see what different meals families have come up with and how engaging with food, be it familiar or new, can bring many of us so much joy and excitement. This is a relationship we all deserve the opportunity to cultivate and nurture.
Similarly, the program has run a series of subsidised Nourish workshops for families to participate in. These workshops are hands-on experiences focused on gardening, cooking and nutrition and have been a great way for participants to build on their knowledge and confidence in the garden and kitchen, whilst most importantly, engage in a whole lot of fun!
From learning about worm farms and how to propagate edible plants, to creating simple and low-cost meals with fresh produce that are wonders for immunity and wellbeing, families have been able to learn new tips and tricks from local food, farming, health and culinary experts. It’s been a heart-warming and inspiring experience filled with knowledge sharing, curiosity, and of course, plenty of irresistible smells and flavours.
The Farm to Family program has been an important initiative in supporting eligible families during a challenging time for many households. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to consume produce that not only fills the hole, but fuels one's mind and body, all whilst facilitating vital connections to our local food system and those who enable it to thrive.
“One of the biggest things we've noticed is the positive impact it's had on our health and wellbeing," said Rachel.
"Having access to such fresh, high-quality produce has encouraged us to eat more vegetables and make healthier choices, and we've genuinely noticed a difference since becoming part of the program. It's also been lovely knowing that we're supporting local growers."
We hope to continue supporting families via programs such as this, ensuring that access to fresh, seasonal and ethical produce is readily available to all members of our local community.
To shop our veggie boxes visit the Farm My School website.
References:
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OzHarvest Frontline 2026 Report, https://www.ozharvest.org/app/uploads/2026/04/OzHarvest-2026-Frontline-Infographic-2026-Small.pdf
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The Salvation Army Cost of Living Report 2025, https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/the-red-shield-report-2025/cost-of-living/
