The Community Grocer Carlton

The Community Grocer is a not-for-profit social enterprise that has been working to improve local food systems in low income communities since 2014. It runs fresh food markets across Melbourne, including the Carlton site, with a vision for thriving, healthy communities connected by food that is fresh, fair and for everyone.

More than just markets, it creates spaces for people from all backgrounds to connect, socialise, and support one another. The organisation serves over 400 households every week, with 70% of customers unemployed or living on a low-income. It reports that 84% of customers have increased their fruit and vegetable consumption and 93% feel more connected to community. The Community Grocer also sells fresh food boxes for pick-up from its markets.

The organisation acknowledges the people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which it operates and commits 1% of trading profit to Pay the Rent to local Aboriginal organisations. It offers volunteering opportunities and accepts tax-deductible donations.