The Community Grocer Pakenham

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 six fresh food markets across Melbourne, serving over 400 households weekly, with 70% of customers unemployed or on a low income.

More than just markets, it creates spaces for people from all backgrounds to connect and support one another. Its impact includes 84% of customers increasing their fruit and vegetable consumption and 93% feeling more connected to the community. The enterprise offers fresh food boxes for pick-up, Grocer Gift Cards to assist those in financial hardship, and volunteering opportunities to gain skills in retail and community development. The Community Grocer acknowledges the people of the Kulin Nation as Traditional Custodians and commits 1% of trading profit to Pay the Rent to local Aboriginal organisations.