Community-led grocery network Box Divvy will launch its first Victorian hubs in Greater Melbourne, driven by a growing demand for more affordable alternatives to supermarkets.
Initially run as a street co-op by husband-and-wife team Jayne Travers-Drapes and Anton van den Berg, the brand has turned into an online food co-op, with over 330 neighbourhood hubs across NSW and ACT.
Produce and pantry items are sold for 30 per cent less, on average, than supermarkets, with Box Divvy sourcing from mostly Australian farmers, family-owned growers, and ethical local suppliers.
Food insecurity among Box Divvy members dropped from 51 per cent to 28 per cent after joining, with people eating more fruits and vegetables, according to research by Sydney University and the University of Wollongong.
“People are crying out for something different – a way to access good food at a fair price while still caring about where it comes from and who benefits – and this model allows them to make a difference just by doing their weekly shop,” said co-founder Jayne Travers-Drapes.
Box Divvy is already in talks with Victorian growers such as Mornington Peninsula producer Paul Gazzola, of Gazzola Farms, who grows a mix of lettuce, celery, Asian vegetables, and more.
“Box Divvy enables us to get seasonal produce to households as fresh as possible, which benefits everyone,” said Gazzola.
“It’s another income stream that helps farmers stay financially sustainable – and keeps good food flowing straight into the community.”
The company is looking for community members to run hubs across the Greater Melbourne area.
“Box Divvy isn’t just about cheaper food – it’s about rebuilding the fabric of local communities,” said Anton van den Berg, co-founder of Box Divvy.
“People meet, talk and reconnect when they collect their food each week – and at the same time they can see exactly what they’re paying and exactly what the farmer is being paid.
“That kind of full pricing transparency builds trust and helps families access fresher food at fair prices, while still supporting those who grow and supply it.”
The first Victorian Hub will launch in Templestowe on September 1, with two others slated to open in Sunbury and Croydon North over the coming weeks.
