Food insecurity can hit households at different times.
It might mean one less meal a day, or choosing home brand over name brand food items, or perhaps it means prioritising your children’s dinner over your own.
As families struggle with the rising cost-of-living crisis food insecurity is silently becoming the next generation’s big issue.
But, there is a solution: food co-ops.
A growing number of Australians are turning to food co-operatives as a lifeline amid rising grocery prices, food insecurity, and mounting financial pressures.
Food insecurity is when an individual or family does not have consistent or reliable access to affordable foods, that causes increased ongoing stress.
According to Food Fairness Illawarra, food cooperatives (co-ops) are not-for-profit, community-owned and run grocery stores that values local, organic and minimal waste shopping experiences.
Co-ops are one solution to Australia’s food insecurity crisis, selling bulk foods, cleaning supplies and produce, at the same time as allowing discounts for active members.
This model allows co-ops to offer fresh produce and household essentials, typically at a lower rate than supermarkets, with the profits being reinvested back into the community.
Thirroul’s Flame Tree Food Co-op volunteer director, Mark Fetterplace said that there were many objectives the organisation hopes to achieve.
“I can’t speak for all of the food co-ops, but one of our aims is to provide less packaging,” Mr Fetterplace said.
“It’s probably our biggest thing.
“We encourage people to reuse and bring their own containers.
“We encourage those containers not to be plastic.
“We allow people to buy healthy food, I think, at reasonable prices.
“Part of that comes from the fact that they can buy whatever they like. Just take a container, put something in it, weigh that out and bill it for them.
“People can buy small or large amounts and that helps them get access to healthy ingredients.”
Flame Tree Food Co-op also provides membership options for its customers, with greater discounts available for those who are regular shoppers, or volunteering opportunities for those who can’t afford the annual membership fees.
“We aim to be accessible to everyone,” Mr Fetterplace said.
“Members get a discount, but even for somebody who is struggling financially, we have a scheme where they pay a reduced membership.
“It’s just $5, but then they can volunteer and get another 10 per cent discount.”
Food co-ops are also targeted towards those struggling with food insecurity, where there is a lack of accessible nutritious food.
According to a study conducted by University of Wollongong’s Dr Katherine Kent, it was found that food insecurity dropped amongst co-op members from 51 per cent to 35 per cent, with many reporting an improvement in their food security status.
In the study, over 2,200 members of the food co-op service Box Divvy provided communities the option to order groceries through an app, and collect from a local coordinator.
“We think there’s a higher number of people experiencing financial challenges who are turning to food co-ops as part of the solution to put more healthy food on the table,” Dr Kent said.
“We also looked at how their food insecurity changed while they were using the food co-op, and it basically halved, which was really interesting to see.
“Those experiencing severe food insecurity – where they are skipping meals and experiencing hunger – was nearly removed altogether, which is a really great thing to see.”
However, recent geographical data has questioned if food co-ops are addressing food insecurity or mainly serving wealthier consumers interested in organic and sustainable products, with most food co-ops in NSW being located in higher socio-economic status areas (higher SES).
According to a study of Sydney food co-ops, 61 per cent were found in areas ranked in the highest SES, while only 15 per cent were in lower SES areas.
The implications and impacts can be seen in the health outcomes of these regions.
Participation in food-co-ops is correlated with a greater intake of fruits and vegetables by members.
“Some food co-ops are established by members of the community who are pooling their resources together to buy food in bulk, often from farmers or from retailers, wholesale retailers,” Dr Kent said.
“But other food co-ops are set up in a way where they’re more community-run.
“People who are of higher incomes, who are from more wealthy locations, or who have more available resources, are probably more likely to have the capacity to band together.
But, there are other types of food co-ops where they’re kind of owned by the community and they are by community social enterprises.
“They’re really to meet the needs of people who are more disadvantaged and who might need some extra assistance getting access to more healthy food.”
Feeding Australia is an initiative announced by the Albanese Labor Government in March, set up to strengthen Australia’s agriculture and food production systems in the face of global supply and demand pressures along with climate change.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins said that while Australia has an impressive record in agriculture, it was not a time to be complacent.
“When our food and supply chains are secure, it reduces financial strain on households, helping all Australians,” Ms Collins said.
“I’m excited to see the final strategy and work towards a stronger and more robust and resilient food system.”
Image source: Blue Mountains Food Co-op