Parramatta City Council Grants Program

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9 AFRICAN FOOD PROJECT QUOTABLE QUOTE: The initiative and creativity shown through the African Food Project has been an inspiration and example for many communities in Australia and in Sydney in particular. SOCIAL PURPOSE: The African Food Project aims to unite the African communities of Sydney in particular, and the wider Australian society in general, by promoting the nutritional value and recipes of the African cuisine. TRADING FOCUS: The African Food Project grows and sells African and other vegetables. www.africanfoodproject.org THE ISSUE: Food plays a key cultural role in all communities and Africans are no exception when it comes to enjoying their traditional dishes. However, most African vegetables are little known in Australia and fresh supplies can be difficult to source. In addition, local African community members prefer locally grown fresh produce to the frozen vegetables imported from Fiji. Many traditional vegetables are high in nutritional values and substituting them with lower-quality refined types of food is affecting the health of migrant communities, particularly through an increase in sugar intake.
THE JOURNEY TO DATE: After completing its business planning process, the African Food Project established a site in Schofields, Blacktown since there was limited suitable vegetable growing land in the Parramatta LGA. This social enterprise grows organic vegetables, including: cassava leaves, pumpkin leaves, sweet potato leaves, okra, roselle (hibiscus), amaranths and jute (molokya). Organic Cassava leaves and roselle are especially important fresh produce as they are very rich in iron and vitamin C respectively. The African Food Project currently sells its produce at market prices through African shops in Blacktown and St Marys, and will soon have an outlet in Parramatta. The main recipients of the food are African communities in Sydney, Wollongong and Newcastle. Assistance has been provided by a range of organisations and groups, including Friends of STTARTS, the project’s auspice partner for its funding agreement with Council. The excellent relationships that this social enterprise has established with a wide range of stakeholders, including local schools, and their enthusiasm for its work are a real achievement, with the project Founder asked to speak to groups on a regular basis. PARRAMATTA CITY COUNCIL SOCIAL ENTERPRISE GRANTS FUNDING: The African Food Project has received $40,000 over four years, commencing in 2008. HOW HAS COUNCIL MADE A DIFFERENCE? Council’s funding supported the development of a business plan for the concept and subsequently contributed to the Manager’s wage and operational costs associated with running the farm. A Westpac business mentor has been working with the African Food Project and coordinated Westpac staff team volunteering days at the farm to assist with weeding and planting. The African Food Project Manager has also participated in Parramatta Social Enterprise Hub activities and through Council’s social enterprise program been connected to a wide range of activities and potential partners. With the income from the current level of trading modest, there is a long way to go until the project becomes sustainable and starts to have a significant impact in the community, with building a viable turnover the current focus. ADVICE FOR STARTING UP A SOCIAL ENTERPRISE? Social enterprises are to be encouraged and promoted to those who are passionate about working for the benefit of their community, but they demand self-sacrifice in term of time, commitment and money — especially during the start up stage, when income is limited. SNAPSHOT: Status: Start up Paid workers: The farm uses some paid workers for urgent weeding when funding is available Volunteers: The manager works as a permanent volunteer and coordinates volunteer groups to work on the farm Location: Leased site at Schofields, Blacktown 10
Page 1 and 2: Parramatta City Council Grants Prog
Page 3 and 4: CONTENTS Introduction..............
Page 5 and 6: We now realise that there are a ran
Page 7 and 8: THE JOURNEY TO DATE: Building on it
Page 9 and 10: THE JOURNEY TO DATE: The enterprise
Page 11: THE ISSUE: Many women who arrive in
Page 15 and 16: THE ISSUE: A wide range of governme
Page 17 and 18: THE JOURNEY TO DATE: Since its esta
Page 19 and 20: little knowledge of community servi
Page 21 and 22: THE JOURNEY TO DATE: From its start
Page 23 and 24: THE ISSUE: In late 2008, Riverside
Page 25 and 26: multitude of training opportunities
Page 27 and 28: The need for role models that can d
Page 29 and 30: epeatedly disappointed at being uns
Page 31 and 32: The safe and supportive environment
Page 33 and 34: THE ISSUE: Food Connect Sydney aims
Page 35 and 36: THE JOURNEY TO DATE: Shortland Blac
Page 37 and 38: THE JOURNEY TO DATE: The Parramatta
Page 39 and 40: THE ISSUE: First impressions really
Page 41 and 42: THE ISSUE: A needs assessment condu
Page 43: w Community Capacity Building Team

Parramatta City Council Grants Program

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