Published on 19 October 2026
Whether single or part of a family, cost of living pressures mean people are finding it harder to make ends meet.
Household budgets are stretched and, sometimes, after all the bills are paid, there’s not enough money to access, buy or prepare regular, healthy and nutritious meals. That’s food insecurity.
Foodbank, Australia’s largest food relief organisation, highlights in its 2025 Hunger Report that food insecurity has reached a critical point nationally, with 33 per cent of Australian households (an estimated 3.5 million) experiencing food insecurity. Foodbank’s Hunger Map also shows that 33.3 per cent, or 230,100 households, in South Australia are food insecure, with Seaford and Aldinga identified as priority areas with the greatest unmet need.
It’s a challenge facing the community, and one the council is addressing through grants and strategic partnerships. By collaborating with grass roots and experienced not-for-profit organisations, more can be achieved, and access to good quality, healthy food can be supported in dignified and sustainable ways.
Sowing Justice
Just Ground is a purpose-led, not-for-profit organisation with an aim to make fresh, healthy and responsibly grown produce available to people who need it, not just those who can afford it. When creating Just Ground, Codirectors Phoebe Elver and Indi Wishart applied for and received, a 3-year council partnership grant, allowing them to get their new program, Sowing Justice, off the ground. “Sowing Justice focuses on strengthening local food sovereignty by growing fresh, organic produce using agroecological methods and distributing it equitably through community-led events and sales”, Phoebe said.
“Receiving the council grant enabled us to get growing straight away and helped to pay for things like irrigation, tools and seeds. It has also meant we can partner with other organisations like Seaford Wetlands Community Garden, allowing us to use their 1/4-acre market garden space to grow produce”. Phoebe said there’s a strong community need not only for affordable food, but for dignified access to healthy, sustainably grown and culturally appropriate food. “We hear from community members every week about how growing their own food brings autonomy and helps with the cost of living. This project will be guided by input from the local community about what they want to eat and how they want to access food.”
The Food Centre Seaford
Later this month, another initiative, The Food Centre Seaford, based at Hastings Street Community Hall will launch. Delivered in partnership with The Food Centre and Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand, and with funding from the state government, the community food hub will provide affordable food and household essentials, together with social connection opportunities, activities and links to support services.
Open to everyone, there are no eligibility requirements needed to access services. The centre will also be supported by a community food outreach service at Aldinga Institute Hall, extending the project to the Aldinga area.
Through initiatives such as Sowing Justice and The Food Centre Seaford we’re planting seeds for a healthier, more resilient community where everyone has the opportunity to access nutritious food close to home.