Meals with Impact launches free Docklands food market

Docklands café and catering social enterprise Meals with Impact is launching a new initiative to help tackle food insecurity in the neighbourhood and beyond.

From August 15, it will hold a monthly free food market as a form of culturally sensitive food relief in its Collins St building.

Open to everyone, the “Inclusive Community Market” will provide fresh produce sourced from Queen Victoria Market’s Food Rescue Network, Josh’s Rainbow Eggs, and Fruit2Work.

The pilot project also has the backing of SecondBite, the The Purpose Precinct, City of Melbourne and Docklands Primary School.

“It’s amazing how much good quality produce is left over after the market,” Meals with Impact’s CEO Rachel Hua told Docklands News.

Beyond food, the café aims to be a community hub.

“We’ll have hot tea, coffee, and a space to chat, plus helpful resources available for those that need it,” Hua added.

Individual cooked meals to take away would also be available, Ms Hua said.

Set up in Docklands in 2023, Meals with Impact was established during the pandemic with the mission of empowering migrant and refugee women through hands-on training and support to find and maintain food-related work.

It has a secondary goal, that of providing culturally appropriate food relief.

CEO Harris Ryan said the extent of local need might come as a surprise to some people.

“The Inclusive Community Market addresses a critical but often overlooked reality: behind the corporate façade of Melbourne’s central business district lies a diverse residential community facing significant economic and social challenges,” he said.

“While Docklands is predominantly associated with large corporations and commercial activity, the lived experience of its residents tells a different story.”

Mr Ryan, a chef, pointed to council statistics showing food insecurity affecting 47 per cent of City of Melbourne residents.

The need for multicultural food supplies was evident from the 77 per cent of Docklands Primary School families that come from culturally diverse backgrounds, he said.

“Our mission is embedded in our name, Meals with Impact.

“We create meaningful change by ensuring disadvantaged communities access culturally appropriate, fresh food, not salvaged waste or leftovers but dignified, nutritious meals that honour diverse food traditions and dietary requirements.”

Meals with Impact is located at the corner of Batman Hill Drive and Collins St in Docklands.

The Inclusive Community Market will be held on the third Sunday of the month from August until December.

For more information: mealswithimpact.com.au •