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Neighbourhood Grocery Movement Expands into Victoria as Demand Surges

Lanham Media on behalf of Box Divvy

Key Facts:

Fast Facts: How Box Divvy Works

• Community-run Hubs operating out of local homes and community spaces

• Affordable: ~30% cheaper than supermarkets (on average)

• Full pricing transparency — members see exactly where their money goes

• Supports Australian farmers and ethical suppliers

• Reduces waste via pre-ordering

• Moves away from ultra-processed foods toward fresh, seasonal produce

• Restores neighbourhood connection — filling the void left by corner store decline

• Membership is free — just commit to regular orders

Embargoed until 12.01am, Monday, September 1, 2025

 

Neighbourhood Grocery Movement Expands into Victoria as Demand Surges

 

Community-led grocery network Box Divvy is taking its fast-growing, people-powered model interstate, launching its first Victorian Hubs in Greater Melbourne this month amid surging demand for a fairer, more affordable alternative to supermarket shopping.

 

What began as a small street co-op run by husband-and-wife team Jayne Travers-Drapes and Anton van den Berg has evolved into a modern online food co-op, with more than 330 neighbourhood Hubs across NSW and the ACT now helping over 15,000 households access fresh produce and pantry staples at prices that are, on average, 30% cheaper than supermarkets. Box Divvy sources from mostly Australian farmers, family-owned growers and ethical local suppliers – prioritising seasonal, transparently priced food. over mass-produced, imported goods. ((A recent Coles price check on August 29 in Melbourne confirmed Box Divvy is 38% cheaper than a mainstream supermarket).

 

Recent research by Western Sydney University and the University of Wollongong found that food insecurity among Box Divvy members dropped from 51% to 28% after joining — with people also eating significantly more fruit and vegetables — highlighting the real-world impact of community-led models like this.

 

“Victoria has a long history of embracing co-ops, social enterprises and values-driven initiatives, so Box Divvy feels like a natural fit here — and the response has already been incredible, with more than 50 enquiries from people wanting to be part of the movement,” said Co-founder Jayne Travers-Drapes. “People are crying out for something different — a way to access good food at a fair price while still caring about where it comes from and who benefits — and this model allows them to make a difference just by doing their weekly shop.”

 

In recent decades, neighbourhood corner stores — once the heart of suburban communities — have steadily disappeared under pressure from large supermarket chains, service stations and convenience apps. As social isolation grows, Box Divvy is helping restore neighbour-to-neighbour connection by bringing people together around food — all while keeping costs down through its values-driven grocery model. It’s taken the place of the back fence as the spot for a friendly chat and a neighbourly catch-up. Now, Box Divvy is the new way for neighbours to connect.

 

“Box Divvy isn’t just about cheaper food — it’s about rebuilding the fabric of local communities,” said Anton van den Berg, Co-founder of Box Divvy. “People meet, talk and reconnect when they collect their food each week — and at the same time they can see exactly what they’re paying and exactly what the farmer is being paid. That kind of full pricing transparency builds trust and helps families access fresher food at fair prices, while still supporting those who grow and supply it.”

 

The first Victorian Hub will launch in Templestowe on 1 September, with further Hubs due to open in Sunbury and Croydon North over the coming weeks. Local community member Kellie Wishart — who had been following Box Divvy’s growth in NSW and hoping it would one day reach Victoria — jumped at the opportunity to bring the Templestowe Hub to life and has already attracted 15 founding members.

 

“I’ve been waiting for something like this to come to Victoria,” Ms Wishart said. “Box Divvy gives people access to affordable, high-quality food, supports farmers, cuts waste and brings neighbours together — it’s a much smarter way to shop. With grocery prices creeping up and everyone feeling the pinch, I’m excited to help my community access better food at better value.”

 

Box Divvy says it is already in talks with Victorian growers and looks forward to supporting more local farmers and producers as the network expands across the state.

 

Mornington Peninsula producer Paul Gazzola, of Gazzola Farms, grows a mix of lettuce, broccoli, celery, Asian vegetables and cos lettuce. He said the Box Divvy model provides another important avenue for keeping Victorian farming viable while delivering genuinely fresh food to local communities.

 

“Box Divvy enables us to get seasonal produce to households as fresh as possible, which benefits everyone,” Mr Gazzola said. “It’s another income stream that helps farmers stay financially sustainable — and keeps good food flowing straight into the community.”

 

Victorians – Want to Start a Local Hub?

Box Divvy is now looking for engaged community members to run Hubs across Greater Melbourne. Hubsters receive full training and support from the Box Divvy team and are paid to coordinate weekly orders. The flexible role tends to suit people based at home — such as stay-at-home parents, retirees, homeschoolers or remote workers — who want to stay connected while helping their neighbourhood access better food.

 

To register interest, visit https://www.boxdivvy.com/run-a-food-hub

 

Available for interview:

• Jayne Travers-Drapes and Anton van den Berg, Box Divvy Co-founders
• Kellie Wishart, first Victorian Hubster.
• New members on request

 

General media assets available here

 

 

 

About us:

About Box Divvy

Box Divvy is a free, community-driven food co-op that connects households with fresh, seasonal produce and healthy pantry staples. With over 330 local Hubs across NSW and the ACT, and expansion into VIC, it’s a simple and affordable way to shop — no membership fees, just a regular commitment to order. Each Hub is run by a neighbour, and members collaborate to reduce waste, share deliveries, and keep costs low. By supporting mostly Australian and local suppliers, Box Divvy helps families eat well, live more sustainably, and make food choices they can feel good about. Find out more at boxdivvy.com

Contact details:

Issued by Lanham Media on behalf of Box Divvy

 

Media Contacts:

 

Fleur Townley | [email protected] | 0405 278 758

Greg Townley | [email protected] | 0414 195 908