Brisbane-based ethical food business Food Connect Shed has raised more than $800,000 from the public to create Australia’s first community-owned food hub.
OzHarvest and Ballistic Beer Co have both announced they will be cornerstone tenants in the new Local Food Hub, as well as seven additional tenants who have come on board in the past three weeks. Food Connect Shed Director Robert Pekin is excited about the announcement. “We already had nine tenants in the space, but these two announcements means we have 88% of the warehouse leased which provides some long term security for our investors and an exciting opportunity to collaborate together.”
The Food Connect Shed equity crowdfunding campaign has been running for eight weeks. More than 350 investors have already pledged $800,000 to date. They have three weeks to hit the minimum goal of $2 million, or the money will not be processed. Funds raised will be used to purchase the existing warehouse, and if the minimum goal is exceeded the funds will be used to refurbish and retrofit the venue.
OzHarvest CEO and Founder Ronni Kahn said the move to the Food Connect Shed was an exciting opportunity and aligns with OzHarvest’s purpose to “nourish our country”. It will also help reconnect consumers with the value of food, raise awareness about food waste and support local farmers. “We are so excited to be part of Food Connect’s vision to create Australia’s first community-owned food hub,” she said. “This supportive, innovative and creative hub offers the potential to bring farmers, foodies and consumers together under one roof to drive positive changes in how we shop, interact and nourish our families.”
In addition to being a base for the eight food rescue vehicles, OzHarvest is planning to build a new commercial kitchen within the space to increase its existing corporate team building offering, catering business and community cooking classes. OzHarvest Brisbane collects more than 100 tonnes of quality surplus food from more than 200 food outlets each month and delivers directly to over 125 local charities.
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