A thriving local food economy

Background

Our thriving food and hospitality sector contributes to Melbourne’s economic, social and cultural vitality. This includes Melbourne’s identity as a global food city and Australia’s gourmet capital.

A local food economy (from farm to plate) that supports fair and living wages enables fuller economic participation of residents, workers, and local farmers in our food bowl. Our greengrocers, fresh food markets and social food enterprises also make an important contribution to the health and wellbeing of residents and to the cultural diversity of our local economy. In addition, food sold and served on City of Melbourne premises are levers for supporting local food businesses and the food producers in our region.

We will continue to support a vibrant independent food sector that reflects Melbourne’s cultural diversity and the needs and values of the local community. This includes ongoing promotion of community food enterprises and other food businesses that contribute to a local economy that puts people first. We will continue to engage Aboriginal food businesses, artists and organisations in catering and food contracts and in Melbourne’s cultural events and festivals. This includes creating opportunities for First Nations staff and communities to partner on projects including consulting and deepening understanding of Aboriginal food cultures, histories, knowledge and sovereignty.

Strengthening food governance and stability locally and nationally are critical to ensure our food system is able to sustain innovation, productivity and resilience in the face of shocks or stressors such as climate change.

Commitments proposed in the Draft Food City Policy

Promoting a lively diverse food and hospitality sector that extends Melbourne’s ‘world class’ reputation as a ‘good food’ destination; and includes celebrating food retailers and hospitality representatives who are leading the way in achieving the objectives of Food City 2024–34.

Promoting emerging food economies and smaller scale producers in accessing city markets, i.e. Queen Victoria Market, local businesses, and council contracts.

Advocacy to all tiers of government for a food system that embraces sustainable new technologies.

Increasing economic and cultural participation whereby Aboriginal people, food businesses and communities benefit from the burgeoning interest in Aboriginal food and culture.

Outcomes proposed in the Draft Food City Policy

A thriving hospitality and community food sector that supports access to local food, development of food enterprises by our diverse community; and participation in a fair and good food economy.
Increase in support for community food programs that prioritise educational and employment pathways for marginalised or low-income residents.
Melbourne is recognised as the food capital of Australia and celebrated globally as a leader in hospitality and diverse restaurant culture.