The Tasmanian Produce Collective (TPC) undertook a journey to support local food communities, with the support of a Strengthening Rural Communities grant. In 2024, TPC was faced with the challenge of limited storage capacity, which was hampering distribution of locally produced food.
Their project, Improving Infrastructure to Support Resilient Local Food Communities in Regional Tasmania, aimed to enhance food security across the region. The core of this initiative was the purchase and installation of a large upright freezer. TPC recognised that augmenting their supply chain infrastructure was crucial for both efficiency and addressing Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) hazards faced by their dedicated volunteers.
Operating under a hub-and-spoke model, TPC had established central hubs in larger towns and community collection points in smaller regional areas. Actively seeking feedback through surveys and conversations with community members revealed consistent requests for a broader variety of items and increased stock availability. This provided valuable insights that guided their infrastructure improvements. By increasing storage capabilities, they knew they could expand their reach and improve access to nutritious produce for the communities they served. So they purchased a 1,968-litre upright freezer using a $7,358 grant. Choosing a moveable upright freezer was a strategic decision that allowed flexibility and mobility.
Throughout the project, TPC remained committed to community engagement, recognising the immense value that producer volunteers and community members played in every aspect of the supply chain.
Once the upright freezer was acquired and installed, TPC experienced a remarkable transformation in their operations. The increased storage capacity allowed for a consistent supply of fresh, seasonal produce, significantly reducing waste while enhancing food resilience. This change also improved safety for volunteers, as the new equipment streamlined operations and minimised potential WHS hazards.
Additionally, TPC forged collaborations with local organisations that shared a vision of sustainable food systems. Partnerships included Healthy Consumers Tasmania, which supported marginalised communities; Eat Well Tasmania, focussed on seasonal, healthy food education; and Sprout Tasmania, which directly supported many of the small farms supplying produce to TPC. By working alongside local councils and service providers, TPC expanded its reach and influence, creating a supportive network that furthered its mission.
As a result of these efforts, TPC’s order volume grew significantly – from 50 regular orders to more than 100 within 18 months. This growth highlighted the success of their initiatives and the positive impact on local food communities, which included sales to 36 small-scale farmers and food businesses across Tasmania.
Katt Ferrero, TPC Board Chair said that the new freezer had played a key role in enabling scale and reliability.
“In the current financial year alone, we’ve put over $210,000 back into local economies by sourcing directly from Tasmanian growers and producers. We’re proud that this infrastructure investment is already contributing to a more resilient, fair, and sustainable food system in Tasmania – one that values both people and produce,” Ms Ferrero said.
“Most importantly to our mission, it has strengthened the resilience of regional communities by supporting a short supply chain model. By working directly with local producers, we reduce reliance on long, fragile national distribution systems and keep food supply more stable and predictable, especially in times of disruption.”
The success of this project demonstrated the possibilities that arise when community engagement, strategic planning, and a shared vision for sustainability align. TPC not only enhanced their storage capacity but also fostered stronger connections in the local food system, reinforced bonds within the community and paved the way for a more resilient food network that can thrive into the future.