Food security

What is meant by the term food insecurity?

VicHealth (2005) has defined the term ‘food security’ as ‘the state in which all persons obtain nutritionally adequate, culturally acceptable, safe foods regularly through non emergency sources’.

In Hobsons Bay, the 2006 Community Indicators Victoria (CIV) data, revealed that 7.7% of the adult population living in the municipality had experienced a lack of food security (defined in this instance as running out of food at some point and not being able to afford to buy more, within the last 12 months). This figure is higher than the Victorian State average of 6.0%.

Hobsons Bay City Council recognised access to ‘safe and nutritious food’ as a priority area of focus for its work within the municipality when developing its Health and Wellbeing Plan 2007 - 2011. The Council has developed a Food Security discussion paper, consultation report policy statement and fact sheet.

Current food security projects

Food distribution

The Council currently has a partnership with Gateway Social Support Options who distribute surplus fruit and vegetables through their Community Foodlink program to community organisations within Hobsons Bay.

Surplus Food distribution links

Community Kitchens

Community kitchens are groups of people that come together to cook and eat. A group facilitator (who is often a volunteer) assist in the organization of the group and all participants contribute to cover the cost of the food. There are currently five groups that meet regularly in Hobsons Bay.

Contact 9932 1001 for more information or visit the Community Kitchens website.