University of Melbourne and Carlton community partner to enhance local Food Security

The University of Melbourne, in collaboration with the City of Melbourne and the Carlton Community Network, have partnered to address food security challenges in the Carlton area through the Carlton Food Security Project.

This initiative brings together local residents, community organisations, government representatives, and University of Melbourne staff and students to better understand and improve access to affordable, healthy food.

Last week, partners gathered at the Carlton Uniting Church, known to locals as Church of All Nations, for a working session with University staff, Narrm Scholars, and student representatives. The event highlighted the project’s strong focus on collaboration and community-driven solutions.

The immediate priority identified was to coordinate and mobilise local food infrastructure to provide direct emergency food relief to residents experiencing food insecurity.

Tony Milne, Executive Officer of the Carlton Neighbourhood Learning Centre and one of the facilitators of the workshop, explained:

"Change happens when communities come together with a shared vision and collective action. Last week, we saw people from across Carlton unite around practical steps and bold ideas. We’re building on what works, while opening up new possibilities for agency, advocacy and support. The plan takes a dual approach: meeting urgent food needs while addressing the root causes of food insecurity. It prioritises emergency relief, coordinated action, and community voice."

A community-informed vision

The project’s origins trace back to the City of Melbourne’s 2024 Social Indicator Survey, which revealed that 48% of Carlton households were experiencing food insecurity.

These findings prompted community members and partners to identify key challenges and develop a shared vision for change.

Months of participatory planning, including an April 2025 workshop with over 50 local stakeholders, led to the creation of an action plan rooted in community insights and strengths.

Hannah Malinowski, a Faculty of Arts student from Melbourne University who is participating in this initiative, reflected on what moved her to join this project:

“I saw a true portrayal of community and like-mindedness; food access can only be achieved and sustained through such a united network of individuals and organisations, crucially involving the dignity and agency of those affected”.

Action items

During last week’s working session, action groups were formed to address four key priorities:

1. Immediate Response: Mobilising a responsive food relief system using evidence-based mapping and data.
2. Advocacy: Combining voices to address the underlying causes of food insecurity.
3. Collaboration: Building shared capacity and resources within the community for greater collective impact.
4. From Access to Agency: Fostering leadership and agency among grassroots communities.

Each group set 1–2 priority actions to complete by the end of the year. A Project Governance Group was also formed to provide oversight and to coordinate regular workshops.

Attendees also prepared coordinated submissions for food relief grants, including the State Government and Chobani Community Grants, to sustain and expand the initiative.

University commitment

Professor Sara Wills, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Engagement) at the University of Melbourne, said the University is dedicated to supporting local communities as they lead the way towards a more secure and equitable food system:

"Food security is a fundamental human right. It is deeply encouraging to see so many people in Carlton working together, not just to address immediate needs, but to lay the foundations for lasting, systemic change. The University of Melbourne is proud to work with our partners, using the power of knowledge, research, and shared commitment to help realise a future where every member of our community can thrive."

Next steps

The Carlton Food Security Project’s action plan will continue to evolve with ongoing community input and regular workshops. With a strong emphasis on capacity-building, the partnership is dedicated to ensuring all voices shape Carlton’s journey toward a food-secure future.