With the most recent wave of the COVID-19 pandemic causing a string of staff and food shortages at major retailers, a community organisation has developed a tool to help consumers connect with local producers.
Launched by the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group, the ‘Get to know your grower’ website provides profiles on individuals and businesses around the shire, and beyond that produce fruit and vegetables for sale.
The project has also been supported by Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health, Macedon Ranges council and Healthy Heart Victoria.
The website provides an interactive map with detailed descriptions on growers.
Users can also tailor their search by produce, season or venue to find specific goods to put together a recipe or to stock the pantry.
Claire Rowland, who is a member of the Veg Action Group within the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group, said she hoped the website would encourage residents to support local farmers.
“Not only does it strengthen the community, but it avoids the distribution problems that we are currently seeing,” she said.
“You know you will be getting the freshest produce grown in the rich soil and clean air of the
Macedon Ranges and surrounds.”
The website also contains tips for eating seasonally, recipes and details for farmers’ markets.
Details: veg.mrsg.org.au/
Oliver Lees
