New research shows grassroots food co-op helping households eat better and go hungry less

Box Divvy

Media release

A community-based food network operating across NSW and the ACT is helping people put fresh food on the table — and the impact is now backed by research.

A study from Western Sydney University and the University of Wollongong has found that Box Divvy — a people-powered food co-op with over 300 local Hubs — is linked to better diets and significantly lower rates of food insecurity among its members.

The research, published in the journal Appetite, surveyed more than 2,200 Box Divvy members and found:

• Food insecurity dropped by nearly half after joining - from 51% of survey respondents down to 28% after joining
• Rates of severe food insecurity — where people skip meals or go hungry — fell by more than half
• People ate an average of 3.3 more serves of vegetables and 2.5 more serves of fruit each week
• Those facing the most financial stress before joining Box Divvy saw the biggest improvements

Box Divvy connects neighbours to order fresh, seasonal produce and pantry items — usually around 30% cheaper than supermarkets — and share it through a local Hub. There are no joining fees, just a regular commitment to order. Hubs are run by local paid coordinators, known as Hubsters, making it a flexible income source for stay-at-home parents, retirees and others.

“We created Box Divvy so people could eat well without breaking the bank,” said Anton van den Berg, co-founder of Box Divvy. “This study shows that community-led models like ours really do make a difference — financially, nutritionally, and emotionally.”

“Younger people, single-parent households and those on lower incomes were among the most food insecure before joining Box Divvy — and also the most likely to benefit,” said Dr Katherine Kent, lead author of the study. “That tells us that alternatives like Box Divvy are meeting a real need.”

Danielle Fraser, Box Divvy member from Leumeah says “Box Divvy definitely helps my family keep healthy food on the table. With three kids I have to stick to a strict budget — and I’ve been constantly watching grocery prices go up. With Box Divvy, we get more fresh produce for less, and it lasts longer. We’ve had to change the way we eat a little — it’s less processed — but it’s better for us. It makes a big difference to both our health and the price of our weekly shop.”

The findings come as grocery costs continue to impact household budgets and ultra-processed foods become the fallback for many households trying to save. Researchers say co-ops like Box Divvy remain overlooked in Australia’s food and health policies, despite the evidence of their benefits.

“This isn’t a handout or a gimmick — it’s a real solution to a broken system. People are doing it tough, and the way we access food shouldn’t add more stress. Box Divvy is about bringing people together to make fresh, healthy food affordable again. It’s practical, it’s community-driven, and it gives people back a sense of dignity and control.”

For more information, read and download, Participation in a community-based food cooperative impacts self-reported food security status and dietary intake in Australian adults, here.

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ENDS

Media Contacts:
Fleur Townley | [email protected] | 0405 278 758
Greg Townley | [email protected] | 0414 195 908

About Box Divvy

Box Divvy is a community-driven food co-op that connects families with fresh, seasonal produce and pantry staples. With over 300 local Hubs across NSW and ACT, it’s a simple, affordable, and sustainable way to shop for food. By supporting mostly Australian and local suppliers, Box Divvy helps households celebrate the seasons while making a positive impact on the planet.