We have renewed and expanded our sponsorship of the Bendigo Foodshare Program by contributing $60,000 over two years to the ‘Grow a Row, Pick a Branch’ program. 

Under the program, initially developed with the support of VicHealth and Bendigo UFS, people across central Victoria are encouraged to plant extra crops in their gardens or harvest their excess fruit and vegetables with the intention of donating it to Bendigo Foodshare.

Since starting in 2019, more than 43,000 kilograms of fruit and vegetables have been grown, harvested and provided to those in need. 

The additional support by Bendigo UFS’ has allowed the program to expand.  It has allowed the employment of a part-time staff member to provide expert horticultural advice to support and grow the program.

The aim is to strengthen our local food system, by increasing our own production at Foodshare’s Golden Gums farm, and to build skills and knowledge in growing food, particularly for young people. The outcome of this is more fresh, healthy, locally grown produce available for more people across our community.

It’s a socially and ethically responsible way for Bendigo UFS to respond to the food crisis many people faced. We are a locally managed, not-for-profit organisation supported by more than 11,000 members, and this contribution is all about using member funds to give back to that community and supporting an initiative that is delivering outstanding results.

Half of every $14 membership of Bendigo UFS goes straight to the Bendigo Foodshare Partnership.

Find out more about becoming a member of Bendigo UFS here.