Affordable fruit and vegetables at new Mernda community market

Mernda Central College assistant principal Teresa Marnik and market manager Fiona Sewell. Picture: Joe Mastroianni.

A new community market is hoping to tackle food insecurity in Mernda.

The Community Grocer launched its weekly fruit and vegetable market at Mernda Central College last Thursday, offering locals low-cost produce.

The Community Grocer already runs markets in Carlton and Fawkner. The Mernda market is the result of a partnership between The Community Grocer, the school, Good Start Early Learning, Jindi Kindergarten, Whittlesea council and the Brotherhood of St Laurence.

Market manager Fiona Sewell said Mernda was an ideal place for a fruit and vegetable market as there are people in the community struggling with rising food bills.

Mayor Ricky Kirkham said the project was a practical way to bring the community together.

“Community Grocer is a fantastic initiative and one that council is pleased to be able to support,” he said.

“It helps those who might struggle to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables.”

Locals with a spare hour or two to volunteer will get a free box of fruit and vegetables.

To volunteer, email: mkreiser@bsl.org.au

More details: www.thecommunitygrocer.com.au