A new kitchen has opened at the Queen Victoria Market’s Purpose Precinct, backed by the Allan Labor Government, to reduce food waste by creating fresh jams and chutneys from unsold produce.
Minister for Employment Vicki Ward today visited the kitchen to see the production line in full swing, which is run by social enterprise Moving Feast – reusing unsold market produce to develop their range of jams, sauces, chutneys and preserves, to be sold at the market after Easter.
The Purpose Precinct is Australia’s first dedicated social enterprise precinct, with space for more than 80 social enterprises to sell their products while creating new employment pathways and networking opportunities.
Moving Feast will provide new skills and job pathways for people who have faced barriers to employment, while regional social enterprises will also benefit from the new kitchen and will be invited to supply fresh produce to be used in the production line.
Mildura-based regenerative farm Food Next Door – a social enterprise that supports refugee and migrant communities – is the first regional social enterprise to get involved and will supply their organic garlic to the kitchen.
Victoria has a strong and vibrant social enterprise sector, with more than 3,500 social enterprises employing around 60,000 people and contributing $5.2 billion annually to the economy.
The Purpose Precinct is funded through the Labor Government’s nation-leading Social Enterprise Strategy 2021-25. The Strategy is working to grow the social enterprise sector, strengthen its connectivity, unlock its potential to create more jobs, and deliver enhanced economic and social value to Victoria.
To learn more about the Purpose Precinct, visit purposeprecinct.org.
As stated by Minister for Employment Vicki Ward
“The Moving Feast kitchen is a clever, creative and tasty operation using unsold market produce to make fresh jams, chutneys and sauces – while providing employment opportunities to those who have faced challenges.”
“We’re backing initiatives just like this that help grow our social enterprise sector and create more local jobs.”
As stated by STREAT CEO Rebecca Scott
“As a collection of social enterprises committed to social justice, we’re excited the kitchen will create a host of new skills and job pathways for people who need a hand, and we can’t wait for you to come and taste the goodness we’re creating.”
