Free Food Program

Access free fresh food and meals through our Food Security Program -
a lifeline for our Darebin neighbours facing hardship.

This is an image of a lady putting lemons into a bag as part of Jika Jika's fresh food program in Northcote, Melbourne

Free fruit and veggies

Every second Wednesday from 10:30 am to 12 pm, Darebin residents on low or no income or experiencing financial hardship can pick up free fresh fruit and veggies, including some grown in our very own community garden.

How it works:

  1. Chat with us and fill out a short questionnaire on your first visit.

  2. Our colour and number signs show how much of each fruit and veggie you can take.

  3. Tell us what you'd like, and our friendly staff and volunteers will pack it for you.

Bring your own bags or use our Boomerang Bags kindly supplied by Boomerang Bags Thornbury/Northcote and Fairfield.

We run our Fresh Food Program in partnership with DIVRS (Darebin Information, Volunteer & Resource Service).

Get in touch with us to learn more. After-hours support is also available via DIVRS on 03 9480 8200.

This is a photo of people preparing food for Alex Makes Meals - a charitable organisation in Melbourne

Free pre-made meals

Thanks to our partners at Alex Makes Meals, we also provide delicious, nourishing pre-made meals for pick-up every Wednesday from 10:30 am to 12 pm.

From its humble beginnings, Alex Makes Meals has evolved from a one-man mission to a thriving food charity in Melbourne. With a strong team of over 80 passionate volunteers and sustained by generous donations, they’re dedicated to ensuring that no human goes hungry.