A vital step in improving the quality of life for many Millicent residents will be taken on January 19 with the resurgence of the town’s community garden.
The newly-formed Millicent and Surrounds Food Network is holding a working bee at the Millicent Community Garden to help the Millicent Men’s Shed provide a space for growing healthy food.
The garden has had little use in recent years since its establishment in 2013, but Men’s Shed members hope to reinvigorate the space.
The group is looking for volunteers willing to offer a couple of hours from 10am and a sausage sizzle and drinks will be available on the day.
Formed in collaboration with Red Cross, the food network is looking to address the issues of food insecurity within the Millicent region through community engagement.
Millicent and Surrounds Food Network program coordinator Jared Robinson said the issue of food insecurity has become increasingly important across Australia.
He said an average of one in three Australians are reporting they have experienced food insecurity.
“Food insecurity can take many forms but often is centred around difficulties in physically obtaining food, in nutritious food being available and in the understanding of how to prepare food,” Mr Robinson said.
“A key avenue of our community engagement in Millicent will be holding educational workshops based around food.
“They will build the skill sets and will range from growing plants to preparing meals.”
Millicent café owner Melissa Armfield became co-chair of the food network after it was formed mid-way through 2019.
She said a Red Cross survey had found the nutritional needs of many people in the Millicent region were not being met.
“We want people to be adding to the nutritional value of their food whether it be grown by them, purchased or provided,” Ms Armfield said.
“We want them to have confidence in the kitchen.”
The food network has established a social media presence and is looking for grant opportunities.
The ethos of the group has been commended by Red Cross regional services manager David Walshaw.
“Community gardens are a great way to create a stronger sense of community and belonging as it offers opportunities for community members to work together to achieve a common goal,” Mr Walshaw said.
“They also provide many benefits to the individual businesses who support them by strengthening relationships through the awareness of the different services that are offered in the community.
“In addition to this, providing a garden has shown to increase the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables helping to create a happy and healthier community.”
