Community grassroots organisation Food is Free Inc. is looking for more volunteers to help keep up with expansion plans for its Green Space.
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More than 20 new planter boxes have been installed at the site at the corner of Ripon Street South and Urquhart Street in the past few weeks and the volunteer team has big plans to run a series of educational workshops.
It is all part of a long term plan to improve access to fresh food in Ballarat and empower community to grow their own food, made possible with funding received from a $128,000 through a Pick My Project grant in October.
We are all about productive food, self-sufficiency and healthy living.
- Lou Ridsdale, Food is Free founder
Food is Free founder Lou Ridsdale said additions to the Green Space had attracted more community members to visit the space.
St Patrick's Primary School students planted fruit trees in orchard beds on Schools Tree Day on Friday.
Other wicking beds will be open to community groups who are marginalised or at risk to grow food and learn new skills. Educational workshops will focus on gardening, food, and quirky crafts.
"We are all about productive food, self-sufficiency and healthy living," Ms Ridsdale said.
"It is very much about empowerment, that anyone can do this."
Food is Free Inc. currently has a team of around 50 volunteers.
READ MORE: Food is Free movement empowers a community
An information session for potential volunteers will be held on Saturday August 3 from 10am to 11am at the Green Space.
Food is Free volunteer co-ordinator Virginia Wiloson said were needed to help at the Food is Free Laneway, to cope with expansion of the Green Space and to help run workshops and events.
"It is an opportunity to give back, engage in nature and gardening and learn new skills," she said.
"On a much broader level it is about food security... hopefully people will start growing their own food and that will ripple on to the next generation."
The Food is Free Laneway was first established in 2014.
Visit the Green Space from 10am to 11am on Saturday August 3 for more information about volunteering.
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