The newly launched Asylum Resource Centre Food Justice Truck – image source ASRC
In the last few years, the rise of social enterprises has made it much simpler for consumers to shop consciously. Not only are we buying things we need, these products have the doubled benefit of helping others. It’s a win-win for everybody.
In Grocery Shopping for Good, we round up some everyday products you can purchase that will directly impact the lives of others. If you would like to share an Australian product or business that does good, we would love to hear from you in the comments below.
For more on our work supporting social enterprises and ethical businesses, make sure you get our future updates by subscribing here. Also look out for the new ‘consciousness’ listing in our reviews to see the ways local hospitality businesses are committing to ethical work, social good, sustainability and the environment.
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P.s – If you are a Sydney reader, make sure you check out Two Good Soup. Each soup jar you buy from them allows them to give one to a person in need.
P.p.s – If you’re a fan of social enterprises, make sure you check out our new food guide: Melbourne for Conscious Foodies. It’s all about eateries and cafes committed to supporting local, the environment and social good. And we’ll be donating 25% of the profits from each guide to a local Melbourne cause.
Food Justice Truck – the recent launch of the Food Justice Truck (featured image above) by the Asylum Resource Centre gained considerable media attention. Their crowdfunding campaign generated over $150,000 and just $3,000 over their targeted amount.
Their mobile fresh food market offers locally sourced produce, legumes, tea and bread at a 75% discount to people seeking asylum. A world first, their award-winning retail model enables the general public to invest in quality fresh food while the profits are reinvested into affordable nutritious food for asylum seekers.
Most of their fruit and vegetables are sourced from sustainable food wholesaler, Spade and Barrow, supporting local farmers and reducing crop wastage by selling ‘nature’s grade’ produce. Their organic tealeaves are from Storm in a Teacup and their artisan sourdough by Dench Bakers in Fitzroy. Food Justice Truck Locations below:
Every Tuesday, 3–6pm at Thomastown Primary School, Spring Street, Thomastown
Every Wednesday, 11:30am-2pm in front of Wesley Church Melbourne, 148 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Every Friday, 3–6pm at Footscray Primary School, cnr Geelong Road and Barkly Streets
The Community Grocer – another fantastic initiative in Melbourne, The Community Grocer, a not-for-profit, is an open weekly fruit and vegetable market at 510 Lygon Street, Carlton run by local volunteers. Their objective is to address the food security issue in Carlton by offering fresh, locally sourced food at wholesale prices for people living in public housing. Shop at The Community Grocer every Friday from 9:30am – 12:30pm. They also hold a free BBQ cooked by local and community residents at 11am.
Just some of the Thank You Group’s Food range – image source, Thank You Group
Thank You Group – I cannot rave more about the incredible work that the Thank You Group continue doing. Purchasing just one pack from their food range will provide at least one week’s supply of immediate food relief in emergency situations. Each packet also supports long-term sustainable food programs. Thank You also operate under a code of conduct which ensures all their products are ethical. You can read more about that here.
Who Gives a Crap toilet paper – image source Organic Empire
Who Gives a Crap – Who Gives a Crap’s toilet paper is made with 100% recycled environmentally friendly materials and donate 50% of their profits to wateraid to build toilets in the developing world. They’ve also just launched a limited edition range designed by designer, Beci Orpin!
Outback Tomato Real Australian Chutney – image source, Coles Buzz
Outback Spirit Real Australian Chutney – This is my favourite store bought tomato chutney. Although it is bought at a large supermarket chain, when I buy one, 10c from each jar sold at Coles is donated to the Coles Indigenous Food Fund (which in partnership with the Outback Spirit Foundation) – so I do feel ok about that. Read more about the fund and Outback Spirit’s amazing ongoing work with our native communities here.
Table of Plenty – This range of cereals, snacks and spices have some of their products packaged at Scope Australia’s disability enterprise sites. Through their business partnership and support, they are able to give people with a disability meaningful employment.
Note: Have you ever heard of a caffe’ sospeso? Find out which Melbourne café’s are offering them and shout a coffee to someone less fortunate than you.
