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An innovative idea to set up two Community Food Markets has brought fresh fruit and vegetables to the residents of housing estates in Melbourne’s inner North. The Atherton Gardens Fresh Food Market and the Collingwood Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Market are non-profit social enterprises located within these two estates. Their aim is to give residents access to the freshest and cheapest fruit and vegetables possible. We speak to Anne Kirss and other resident volunteers who have participated in the markets.
Anne Kirss is an Atherton resident who has been involved in the Atherton market as a volunteer since it was established mid-2004. When two agencies working on the Estate, Cultivating Community and the Brotherhood of St Laurence, developed the idea of providing cheap fruit and vegetables directly to residents, Anne responded to their call. Having some experience doing the bookwork for a friend’s market stall, and keen to help others, Anne joined the formation committee. A system was devised where produce would be purchased at Footscray Wholesale market, a minimal markup applied to cover losses, cartage and other costs then sold through a volunteer-run market once a week. “It’s been an ongoing, learning experience,” Anne reflected, “because there was no system set up for the book keeping, we didn’t have a permanent place, we didn’t have a fridge. So it was all very ‘learn while you go.’”
Anne described how the market was intended to benefit “more elderly people and people who couldn’t leave the estate.” She said, “there was a concern by certain bodies they weren’t getting enough nutrition because Safeway and the major competitors’ prices here were too expensive for people on the dole and pensions.” With the success of the Atherton Gardens market over 18 months, another market was established in the Collingwood Housing Estate in September 2005. Like the Atherton market it depends on resident volunteers. According to Megan Floris from Cultivating Community who coordinates the market at Collingwood, a core group of volunteers from the Mandarin-speaking community at Collingwood were instrumental in this second market being established. Megan says the ultimate aim is for the volunteers from the community to run the market themselves, “…eventually hopefully the reins will be handed over.” Based at Harmer Hall the market has attracted many regular customers. In addition to providing healthy and fresh food to residents, volunteering has its own spin offs. Speaking at the launch of the Collingwood market Guo Ping, Wang Gui Ying, Huang Hui Ying and Chelsea Wang were very happy to be able to contribute something to society by volunteering their time. Through a translator, Chelsea said, “I really enjoy working…Actually, I’m getting old. This activity is very meaningful because I can learn something new.” For Wong Wey Ing, it was the first time to sell fruit and vegetables. She said, “actually, I’m not very skilled…but this is the first time and I’m learning.” Volunteers from a non-English speaking background at Atherton Gardens also improved their language skills and self-confidence. Through her volunteering Anne Kirss “developed a bigger of a profile on the estate” which lead to her being asked to perform in a play and to join the Residents’ Association.
The market at Atherton has had to contend with multiple challenges. Anne said, “it’s just not a matter of like a lot of people set up milkbars and they think the shelves magically stock themselves and they’ll sit there and count the money coming in.” Then there’s the issue of “bureaucratic bungling,” she added. Finding a permanent location has proved a major difficulty for the Atherton Gardens market. The weather forced the market to move from its original location outside the 140 Brunswick St building to inside the vacant Old Milk Bar at 90 Brunswick St. But this new venue has slightly less visibility and wind rushing between the high rise buildings. Anne also stated that several instances of drug dealing close to the market were unsettling for volunteers and customers. When the Fitzroy market was taking a break in late 2005 due to renovations,
Anne reflected on how the things could be done differently in future.
One idea is “mini mobile market” to go from tower to tower,
she says. Collingwood is also revising its approach to incorporate a
volunteer roster and a system which compensates volunteers with a small
amount of produce for the time they give up. A new supply arrangement
is also likely to bring prices down even further in the near future.
Volunteers at both markets are committed to what Anne describes as the
“fabulous idea” of providing fresh produce for residents.
Volunteers like these are sure to play a major role in ensuring residents
have access to cheap and wholesome food. Market Opening Hours Atherton Gardens Market: Mondays 1pm - 3pm, Collingwood Market: Thursdays 1pm - 3pm LINKS: Visit the e-ACE website for news about community projects at Atherton Gardens Visit the Collingwood Grassroots website for news about community projects at Collingwood Estate |
