In a remote town in Western Australia, a not-for-profit supermarket in the Pilbara town of Roebourne has changed the way residents access food.
The social enterprise model provides the community with consistent access to cheap groceries.
Operated by Foundation Food, the Ieramugadu store has sold 6 tonnes of donated produce since opening late last year.
Foundation Food project lead Abby Phillis said people living in the state's north-west were often dealing with poor access to basic goods.
"In West Australia, regional locals are a third more likely to experience food insecurity than those living in metropolitan areas and basic groceries can cost as much as 120 per cent more," she said.
"And that's before taking into account people who need carers to help shop or who don't have licence. The nearest stores have been a long drive out of town."
Ms Phillis said high transport costs and a small population forced the closure of the Ieramugadu Store in 2019, leaving residents with a 10-kilometre drive to Wickham or a 30km hike to larger supermarkets in Karratha.
The store was reopened in December 2021, and stocked with products from its partners to be available at no cost or low cost.
Previously, the predominantly Indigenous community – about 40 kilometres east of Karratha – had limited access to groceries due to cost, transport issues and inconsistent supply.
Since then Foundation Food — part of Garlbagu, Ngarluma-Yindjibarndi Foundation's social enterprise arm — has supported the community with more than 600 care packages delivered to families in COVID-19 isolation.
Garlbagu chief executive Bruce Jorgenson said the store had been a remarkable success.
Shame-free shopping model
Mr Jorgensen said that in Australia, efforts to address food insecurity were largely made by the charitable food system and demand on those services to provide emergency food relief was growing.
"These services can make people feel disempowered, ashamed and offer no dignity of choice when it comes to selecting foods for their family," he said.
Ms Phillis believes not-for-profit supermarkets should be rolled out across the country to help alleviate food stress and supply issues.
"With the help of sponsors and donations, the social supermarket model is not only sustainable but repeatable as well."
City of Karratha Deputy Mayor Kelly Nunn echoed the sentiments.
"It's been hugely successful and we're proud to support the project" she said.
"We would welcome future initiatives like this throughout the region."
Ms Phillis said the foundation was now looking into growing its own fresh food at the back of the store.
"We are building a cyclone-proof greenhouse out the back to help ensure a steady supply of fresh and local produce."
