Resources
Local Food
Shopping, growing and eating food locally is enriching in so many ways, not only for you, the consumer, but also for growers and the environment. Here’s some resources to help!
Eating local has many benefits
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Food tastes better – Less food miles means local food is fresher.
Supports local producers – Buying locally supports businesses and ensures your region’s future.
Reduces greenhouse gas emissions – Less food miles means less transport costs and emissions generated getting the food from paddock to your plate.
Knowing the grower – Buying direct lets you meet the producer and learn about their farming methods.
Inspiration to grow your own – Eating food you’ve grown yourself is so rewarding, tastes great and is a great way to connect with nature.
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Canberra’s Capital Region is fantastic for buying food locally, including fresh fruit and vegetables, meat products, dairy, wines and select grains. The region encompasses Young, Goulburn, Upper Lachlan, Bega Valley, Tumbarumba and the Snowy.
You can buy directly from producers at a growing number of farmers markets and via local produce boxes.
Capital Region Farmers Market (Mitchell), Sat, 7.30 – 11.30am
Southern NSW Harvest Farmers Market (Bungendore), Sat, 9am – 12pm
Southside Farmers Market (Phillip), Sun, 7am – 11.30am
Little Burley Market (Parkes), Sat, 9am – 2pm
Haig Park Village Markets (Braddon), Sun 8am – 2pm
Capital Food Market (Belconnen), daily, 8am – 6pm
Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets (Fyshwick), Thur to Sun, 7am – 5.30pm
The Food Co-op Shop & Cafe (Acton), daily, 10am til late.
Southern Harvest Produce Boxes, with collection hubs around ACT.
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A backyard vegetable garden is as close as it gets to eating local. Veggie gardens come in a range of shapes and sizes – a couple of raised beds, a series of pots on the balcony or even a no-dig garden. Before you get started you’ll need to consider where to put your garden, soil and compost, seeds and seedlings, what to grow when and where and harvesting.
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There are many benefits to joining a community garden, including access to fresh food, exercise, community connections and skills sharing. Learn more here!
Gungaderra Community Garden (Harrison) – Canberra Environment Centre’s very own!
Canberra Organic Growers Society (Charnwood, Cook, Cotter, Dickson, Erindale, Holder, Kaleen, Kambah, Mitchell, Oaks Estate or O’Connor)
Lyneham Commons (Lyneham)
Canberra City Farm (Fyshwick)
The Dirty Beanstalk (Acton, Canberra)
Permablitz (permaculture and gardening group)
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Verge veggie gardens – SEE Change’s demonstration sites in Canberra.
Tips for growing on Canberra’s nature strips – including planting veggies legally.
PIP magazine – practical and inspiring stories about permaculture.
Sustainable Table – regenerating food and farming in Australia.
Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance – working to achieve food sovereignty for all.
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