Seymour and District Community House acting manager Larrissa Lambert says it is a privilege to support the community through food relief.
Photo by
Billie Davern
Seymour’s community house has been cooking up impactful food security initiatives.
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After obtaining $15,000 from the Victorian Government’s Food Relief Grants program, the local community house planned to continue delivering its existing food relief efforts, through the Harvest Hub in its backyard, and develop new projects.
“This funding is a continuation of our existing food relief efforts and supports the ongoing development of a connected, inclusive local food system — one that is designed not just for times of crisis, but for the whole community,” acting manager Larrissa Lambert said.
“The grant application was developed and submitted by the manager at the time, Krystal Bolejko, and we are proud to continue delivering and expanding on that vision as a team while she is on maternity leave.
“Our goal is to move beyond traditional emergency food relief and instead create a sustainable, community-driven model that builds dignity, empowerment and confidence.”
The funding will support the growing garden at the community house, the produce from which is distributed through the Harvest Hub and utilised in its ready-made meal program.
Each month, the team has a goal of circulating 100 of these meals.
“These meals are cooked in our community house kitchen by me and distributed freely through the Harvest Hub to support individuals, families and older residents in our community,” Ms Lambert said.
“This work also extends to our community lunch program, which brings people together around the table – reducing isolation, strengthening connection and creating a welcoming space for everyone.”
The Harvest Hub is at 47A Anglesey St, Seymour.
Photo by
Billie Davern
The team is also in the midst of remodelling its kitchen, where new cooking classes will be delivered.
This initiative will not only be about food relief, but also developing skills around food safety and cooking.
The result of the work put in by the dedicated volunteers at the community house, Ms Lambert said, was moving.
“We’ve had a lot of people emotional about it, saying that, without this, they wouldn’t get by,” she said.
“We have people in crisis that utilise it, and that’s so amazing, but it’s inclusive for everyone.”
Ms Lambert, whose passion for the community house has only grown over the three years she has been involved there, added that it was a privilege to be able to deliver these initiatives to the community.
“I feel deeply proud to be involved in an initiative that is creating such meaningful impact in our community,” she said.
“It has been truly beautiful to watch this grow into something so special.
“This work is about more than meals, it’s about connection, reducing isolation and creating practical, social opportunities for people to come together and feel supported.”
Anyone can access the Harvest Hub, located at 47A Anglesey St, from 10am to 1pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and updates on available ready-made meals can be found via the Seymour and District Community House Facebook page.
The community house is seeking volunteers. For more information, email seycom01@bigpond.net.auor phone 5792 3152.
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