Food hub helps cut costs

One Green Point mum is tackling the cost-of-living crisis in a practical way, as she runs a Box Divvy Food Hub from her own garage.

Michelle Mitchell is helping families access fresh, affordable groceries through the modern food co-operative, which serves 55 families with weekly deliveries of fresh produce, pantry items and more.

Originally a Box Divvy member herself, Mitchell joined the Hub when her neighbourhood fruit and vegetable service closed.

“It was disheartening to think we’d have to rely only on big supermarkets,” she said.

“Box Divvy restored access to fresh, local food for our area, and it’s been fantastic knowing we’re supporting farmers directly.”

Box Divvy operates much like a co-op, where members order groceries online from local farmers and suppliers.

By buying in bulk from the source, Box Divvy allows families to save up to 30 per cent on their grocery bills.

Orders are delivered weekly to a nearby Hub – often set up in a neighbour’s garage or a community centre – for easy collection.

The model also ensures that 60 cents of every dollar goes to farmers, significantly more than what large supermarkets typically pay.

With more than 13,000 members and 280 Hubs across NSW and the ACT – and plans for national expansion underway – Box Divvy is empowering communities to reshape the food system.

Members do not pay joining fees; they simply commit to ordering regularly to help keep the Hub running smoothly

Mitchell’s Hub quickly filled up and now has a waitlist of eager members.

More than just a place to collect groceries, it has become a gathering place for people of all ages and backgrounds.

An intergenerational family of grandparents, children and grandkids forms the heart of the group, with all three generations passionate about fresh, vegetarian meals.

“We’ve shared so much together – births, a passing and all the milestones in between,” Mitchell said.

“If someone’s doing it tough, we organise a kindness box and let them know they can come back whenever they’re ready.”

For Mitchell, the Hub has become a family affair, with her youngest daughter helping out as part of her home schooling.

“She earns a bit of income from it and learns responsibility, which is great,” Mitchell said.

“Box Divvy has encouraged my kids to care about where their food comes from and to eat more mindfully.”

As a passionate cook, Mitchell uses Box Divvy’s offerings to explore new recipes and share ideas with members.

“Delicious spices are a favourite – lemon and herb on roast vegetables or lamb, dukkah on couscous,” she said.

“It’s inspiring to introduce members to fresh ingredients and see them excited about cooking.”

Box Divvy promotes sustainability with low food miles, minimal packaging and zero food waste.

“Knowing we’re reducing our impact on the environment while saving money makes a big difference,” Mitchell said.

She encourages others on the Central Coast to consider starting their own Box Divvy Hubs.

“Running a Box Divvy Hub does take commitment, but it’s incredibly rewarding,” she said.

“You earn an income while being part of something bigger, supporting farmers and building community in a meaningful way.”

For more details go to boxdivvy.com