Community
9 August, 2024
Unpackaged celebrates
WITH so many locals struggling to make ends meet, it’s comforting to know there is somewhere to go for affordable, sustainable pantry staples.
Warrnambool Unpackaged Food Cooperative, which operates from ‘The Den’ at the Uniting Church in Koroit Street, last week celebrated its 30th birthday.
Operated by a group of dedicated volunteers, who donate their time on a rotational basis, Unpackaged now offers more than 100 products – with everything from flour, sugar and rice through to salt, pasta, seeds, nuts, laundry liquids and the occasional chocolate treats.
“Our founding principle is to ensure our products are purchased in bulk to minimise packaging,” group treasurer Gail Lemmens said.
“Our members simply pay a $20 annual membership fee, volunteer three or four times a year to work in the shop (on a two-hour shift) and book in a time slot to come in and pick up their goods.”
Products are sourced directly from wholesalers to keep costs low and prioritised from Australian and local producers where possible.
According to coordinator Louise Serra, the cooperative is more than just food.
“It’s also about coming together as a community to make sustainable choices that benefit us all,” she said.
Members share the labour of ordering, collecting and distributing products.
By purchasing in bulk directly from wholesalers, members benefit from significant cost savings, making high-quality products more accessible to the community.
“We’re excited to continue this journey and to see what the next 30 years bring,” Ms Serra said.
The cooperative operates once a month, on a Friday.
Members pre-book their ‘shopping slot’ between 12 noon and 8pm.
“New members are most welcome,” Ms Serra said.
Anyone wishing to join can simply email their name and phone number to unpackagedcoordinator@gmail.com.
