Every Tuesday afternoon, Middle and Senior School students gather at the Green Space on Ripon Street for Food is Free, a community-led, not-for-profit organisation aimed at tackling food insecurity among disadvantaged Ballarat citizens.
As the largest volunteer group on the community garden roster, students actively engage in a variety of weekly tasks including composting, maintaining worm farms, weeding, preparing for market days and harvesting produce. Beyond volunteering, Food is Free provides a platform for students to engage meaningfully with their peers outside of school grounds.
“The garden is accessible to everyone at any time. People can contribute by donating food, compostable materials or seeds. The local community is encouraged to take produce to alleviate food shortages,” explains Food is Free coordinator, Anh Anderson.
Reflecting on their involvement, students express a deep sense of fulfillment. Melinda Warnakulasuriya (Year 9) shares, “My favourite part of being in Food is Free is knowing that I am making a positive impact in my community.”
Jasper Barnett-Noor (Year 12) adds, “Working with friends for the community is really enjoyable!”
For another coordinator, Tiarne Dalli, Food is Free offers a unique opportunity for student engagement beyond the garden itself. “I really enjoy Food is Free because it allows me to connect with students about their day as we walk to the community garden from school,” she shares.
As Food is Free continues to grow, it not only addresses immediate food security issues but also nurtures a generation of socially conscious and actively engaged young citizens in Ballarat.
For those interested in getting involved or learning more, students can join Food Is Free as a co-curricular activity. Food is Free runs every Tuesday afternoon from 3.45pm. Come and join us in giving back to the local community and having fun!
