The not-for-profit volunteer run collective was awarded a City of Ballarat community impact grant for $1480 to purchase more food grade containers, movable shelving, an ipad and a teardrop banner.

The new purchases will allow the group to expand the range of food on offer, make it easier for volunteers to set up the space on shopping days and use an iPad for stock management and transactions.

Committee of management member Kristy Gainger said more people were joining the collective in an effort to reduce their plastic and food waste.

"A lot of people are becoming really aware of excess plastic packaging, so to be able to come with your reusable tub from home and fill it up with just the quantity you need saves on waste," she said.

"We have a few members who don't need a giant bag but instead might just want a couple of scoops of oats per week."

The group, that began in November, now has 50 members.

Members can join the collective for a yearly fee and have access to products at a competitive price, with only a small markup from wholesale.

Shoppers bring their own containers and bags to fill with produce while weighing and recording amounts as they go.

READ MORE: Buninyong Community Collective opens doors to environmentally conscious shoppers

The current range of food on offer includes flours, lentils, nuts, dates, chickpeas, olive oil, olives, honey, with hopes to purchase a refrigerator to offer fresh items in the future.

The Buninyong Community Collective runs from 9am to 11am and 5pm to 7pm every Tuesday at 405 Scott Street Buninyong.

Community food collectives are also held at Ballarat, Creswick and Hepburn.

Visit buninyongcommunitycollective.org.au/ for more information.

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