Artwork by Laura Wills

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Project update March 2026

Successful tender outcome

The Food Centre has been successful in securing state government funding through the Department of Human Services' Social Supermarket Program. The community food hub is proposed to be located at Seaford's Hasting Street Hall in partnership with The Food Centre Gepps Cross, Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand, council and the local community.

The project will receive a one-off grant of $196,409 from the Department for Human Services (DHS) Social Supermarket Program 2025–2030 and an in-kind City of Onkaparinga contribution of approximately $35,700 to establish the hub. DHS will also provide an annual operating grant of around $220,000, while the council will provide ongoing in-kind community development support for program and service delivery, and $4,000 in annual maintenance support.

The Food Centre will lease the council hall until June 2030 and run day-to-day food operations. Good Shepherd will lead the wraparound social services (such as onsite financial counselling, access to no-interest loans, and referrals to housing and family supports).

The next stage of the project includes local engagement with residents neighbouring Hastings Street Hall and seeking Development Approval to change the use of the hall.

Project partners will also work closely together in the development of a Community Leadership Group, that will support the service to meet local needs and foster community ownership.

Background

We understand that increases to the cost of living is making it hard for many in our community to make ends meet.

As one way to support our community, with funding from the Department for Human Services we are investigating establishing a community food hub in the Seaford region.

A community food hub offers:

  • low-cost groceries and essentials in a store-like setting
  • opportunities to connect with others in the community
  • skill-building activities and support programs tailored to local needs.

Everyone is welcome - no assessments or eligibility checks are required.

We engaged with the local community on their thoughts on a potential community food hub in the Seaford area between 29 July and 17 August. The outcomes of the engagement can be found in the Community Engagement Feedback Report.