While PM looks overseas, an ACT resident finds a local answer to food costs
Lanham Media on behalf of Box Divvy
Media release
While PM looks overseas, an ACT resident finds a local answer to food costs
When Prime Minister Anthony Albanese suggested inviting a supermarket giant from the United Arab Emirates — the company behind the Carrefour chain — to set up in Australia to compete with Coles and Woolworths, it sparked debate about whether another foreign entrant is really the answer to rising grocery bills.
In a quiet street in Watson, Bronwen Mackenzie has been showing that a local solution is already possible. For the past two years she has run a Box Divvy “Hub” from her home — part of a community grocery network now spreading across the ACT, NSW and Victoria.
Each week, about 40 households in the neighbourhood place their orders online. The food is bought in bulk from mostly Australian farmers and ethical suppliers, then delivered to Bronwen’s place where families come by on Wednesday afternoons to collect their box. If someone can’t make it, Bronwen often delivers it herself.
Her 15-year-old son Alex helps before school, while her 87-year-old mother Dorothy lends a hand on pick-up days. Together, they’ve built a steady group of regulars.
“I joined when interest rates were spiking and I needed to make sure I wasn’t spending more than I earned,” Bronwen said. “Running the Hub gives me a bit of extra income, but more importantly it means more of my money goes to farmers rather than the big supermarkets. The produce is fresher, there’s less packaging, and it feels good to know we’re helping the community.”
Local mushroom grower Ian Chu from Majestic Mushrooms in Murrumbateman, just over the ACT border, has been supplying Box Divvy for six months. He says the model is giving farmers like him consistency and connection.
“Farming mushrooms is hard work — they grow fast and you’ve got to stay on top of them. Every day throws up new variables, from compost to climate, and it can be frustrating when you can’t fulfil orders. What Box Divvy has given us is certainty. The weekly orders mean we know exactly how much to harvest, and members are prepared to pay a fair, consistent price for good quality produce. That support makes a real difference when the market is fluctuating.
We’ve built Majestic Mushrooms over nearly 20 years, and our focus has always been on quality — not just how mushrooms look, but their taste and shelf life. People often tell us ours taste better because we don’t pump them with extra water. With Box Divvy, they go straight from our farm to local households, without sitting around in the system. You can taste the difference when food is fresh, and it’s rewarding to know people value that and want to support local growers.”
Box Divvy describes its Hub organisers as “food warriors” — neighbours who step into the role once played by corner stores. Members save on average up to 30 per cent compared with supermarkets and can see exactly what farmers are paid.
Co-founder Jayne Travers-Drapes says it only takes one person to start a Hub and shift the way a community eats. “In every suburb, people jump at the chance to be involved. When someone steps up to run a Hub, suddenly the whole street is eating better, saving money and reconnecting,” she said.
Independent research by Western Sydney University and the University of Wollongong has found food insecurity among Box Divvy members fell from 51 per cent to 28 per cent after joining, and families reported eating significantly more fruit and vegetables.
Bronwen says it has become part of her family’s weekly rhythm. “It’s not just about groceries — it’s about connection,” she said.
Box Divvy now operates more than 330 Hubs with 15,000 members, including twelve across the ACT — in Amaroo, Denman, Duffy, Evatt, Fraser, Giralang, Holt, Kaleen, Kambah, Monash, Pialligo and Watson (two Hubs). Most of these are already at capacity, and with demand continuing to grow, Box Divvy is calling for more locals to step up as the next “food warriors” and start new Hubs in their neighbourhoods.
Co-founder Jayne Travers-Drapes says the role appeals to a wide range of people.
“We see parents, retirees and people working from home all stepping up to run Hubs,” she said. “They’re paid for their time, receive full training and support, and most importantly, they tell us it’s a great way to feel connected and make a difference in their community.”
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
Available for interview:
- Jayne Travers-Drapes and Anton van den Berg, Box Divvy Co-founders
- Bronwen Mackenzie, Hubster in Watson ACT
- Ian Chu, Majestic Mushrooms
ACT media assets available here
General media assets available here
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