The Brighton Community Food Hub has secured a new home at what was the Old Beach Scout Hall. The hall will be transformed into a bustling hub, providing locals with convenient access to a variety of fresh produce. With the Scouts vacating the premises by mid-January, the Food Hub aims to be fully operational by February.

In a further boost for the Food Hub, McConnell Dowell, the company constructing the new Bridgewater Bridge, has generously donated a shipping container. Female trade students transformed the container into a practical and aesthetically pleasing space for storing additional supplies. Entirely run by volunteers, the Brighton Community Food Hub aims to provide affordable and nutritious food to all.

The Food Hub has been recognised for its service, including becoming a finalist in the local government awards, receiving an award for sustainable communities, and its volunteer team winning the Volunteer of the Year award. The Food Hub’s President, Geoff Hull shared his enthusiasm for the move. “When we started we were operating from the Civic Centre, which meant we had to bring the tables and food down from our container – this heavy lifting was impacting our volunteers, many of whom are older,” said Geoff.

The permanent home will mean the Food Hub can open three days a week – Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am until 4pm, and Wednesdays from 4pm until 7pm. Both the council and the Scouts were supportive of the move, which enables not only more opportunities for the Food Hub to be open, but a safer environment for volunteers.

Usually the Food Hub volunteers have a break over January, but not this year. “We aim to open back up in early February, so we will be working hard to get everything set up,” said Geoff.