Background and purpose

The Merri-bek Food Leadership Action Group (FLAG) was formed in early 2022 to support a Collective Impact approach to implementing the Merri-bek Community Food Hub project. The aim of the group was to provide strategic leadership and democratic citizen participation in finding solutions to improve food security. Although volunteers, member contributions were recognised through the offer of a stipend if their time was not covered by their employer as part of their role. Backbone support was provided by consultants Open Food Network.

The FLAG was dissolved in June 2024 through mutual agreement of its members, Merri-bek Council and Open Food Network.

Outcomes and learnings

FLAG was faced with sharply rising food insecurity in Merri-bek which led to public pressure on Council to deliver immediate solutions. The FLAG was not resourced to drive responsive and strategic action commensurate with the problem, serving primarily as an advisory reference group. However, members provided valuable input and gained important experience through:

• Development of a grants program with clear criteria, enabling decisions re project funding
• Working with Open Food Network to develop the Collective Impact measurement tool and data collection processes
• Recruitment of the Community Food Hub Coordinator role

In November 2021, Council called for FLAG applications through the Merri-bek local food networks and community stakeholders identified during the Community Food Hub feasibility study

Applications were sought from community food leaders interested in working with food security groups and advocates to implement a community food hub and be part of a collective food justice movement in Merri-bek.