The Food Hub Pilot Project is testing how small, under-utilised, and even temporary spaces around Melton can be transformed into productive growing sites that support local food security.

Using sustainable and water-wise growing practices, Eat Grow Garden will grow and harvest fresh vegetables for distribution through local food relief and food security organisations, while measuring production, water use and other learnings to help develop a larger network of Food Hubs across Melton.

Why it matters
As Melton continues to grow rapidly, many local households are experiencing increasing pressure from the cost of food and other essential living expenses, while access to affordable, healthy fresh food is not equal across the community.

Food relief plays an important role in responding to this need, but fresh, locally grown produce can be difficult to source consistently. Our Food Hubs aim to complement existing food relief and affordable-food initiatives by creating a local supply of fresh vegetables grown specifically for community distribution.

The first (pilot) Grow Food: Food Hub will start growing at Aintree Community Garden in early October 2026.