Impact Report 2025
The Community Grocer brings together a vibrant community that makes us much more than just a place to buy fresh food. Every week, our markets are brought to life by volunteers, microenterprise partners, and local residents who connect, share, and support one another.
2025 was a big year for us, and it was made possible with the support of this incredible community. Here are the highlights from the year’s Impact Report
Food security
Cass, our Richmond Market Manager on Launch Day
We brought our number of markets up from four to six. We opened two new markets in Richmond and Melton, making healthy, affordable produce more accessible to even more people. Our Richmond Market was also recognised with the 2025 Community Initiative of the Year Award from the City of Yarra!
We sold 87 tonnes (nearly 1 million serves!) of fruit and vegetables, which supported over 51 thousand Victorians access affordable and culturally relevant food close to home. We also had 70% of new customers tell us their food security improved since shopping with us.
It was the fourth year of our Grocer Gift Program, our innovative food voucher program that serves as a nutritious, choice-based alternative to traditional food relief. We distributed vouchers valued at over $65,000, and 76% of recipients told us they preferred them to other types of emergency food relief.
Local economies
We welcomed 102 volunteers from a range of ages and cultural backgrounds, whose generosity, energy and smiles helped bring our markets to life.
Our markets were joined by 18 local micro-enterprises, helping create vibrant market spaces that celebrate culture, connection and great food.
Sebastian and Desy, with Gabby’s Garlic that they helped plant and harvest
We also sourced 16% of our produce directly from local growers who use sustainable, regenerative and community-focused farming practices, namely Peter Schreurs & Sons, Mount Prospect Produce, Gabby’s Garlic, Burd Eggs, Shepherds Orchard, Yolked up, Growing Food Justice Bundoora park farm, and Aintree Community Garden. We sold their produce at low-cost, so that those living on a low-income could access quality, fresh fruit and vegetables that are otherwise prohibitively expensive.
Social connection
83% of our customers reported feeling more connected to their community after shopping at The Community Grocer.
Diana at Flemington
“Why do I keep coming to the Flemington Community Grocer on Saturday mornings? Because it’s laughter, teamwork, comradeship, celebration, diversity, inclusivity, an enjoyable learning experience of Gen Y and Gen Z jargon and music, and yes, because we sell great produce as well.”
Every market, chat, and fresh food purchase is made possible by our volunteers, growers, supporters, staff members, and wonderful customers. Thank you for being part of our community and helping us create a fairer, healthier food system.
Read our 2025 Impact Report
Learn more about our work and the impact we've made together.
Download here