Nourishing communities in Port Adelaide Enfield
In response to community needs following COVID-19, the City of Port Adelaide Enfield Council initiated a food security project centred around the Lefevre Peninsula community.
What unfolded surpassed the council's initial expectations and not only addressed food insecurity, but also strengthened a community volunteer network and improved social connection opportunities.
In collaboration with OzHarvest, the 'Towards a Food Secure Community: Building Social Capital’ project began in August 2020 with a food relief market.
Vanessa Gaston-Gardner (Health and Wellbeing Coordinator, City of Port Adelaide Enfield) shared that responding to community feedback ensured the project evolved over time: “The food market was well-received, but we started hearing and seeing escalating local needs brought about by the economic fallout of the pandemic”.
Inclusive and connected community engagement supported findings which informed the development of a community lunch model.
This collaborative model nurtured a sense of community belonging, impacting positive wellbeing while providing access to healthy meals and fresh produce.
Based on the committed volunteer network and council’s ability to adapt to community needs, the initiative’s success paved the way for further food education programs and partnerships with Food Relief Agencies.
This project highlights the importance of building social capital, action to reduce loneliness and the importance of continuing to define local government’s role in food security.
In 2022 it was awarded the Minister for Health & Wellbeing's Excellence in Public Health Award.
"We've learnt that combating loneliness is just as important as feeding the hungry and when it comes to project management, having a model that can adapt quickly is essential," Vanessa said.
Find out more
Vanessa Gaston Gardner
Health and Wellbeing Coordinator
Email: vanessa.gastongardner@cityofpae.sa.gov.au