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Ripe For Change

Sustain's work is in part made possible through the collective impact project Cardinia Food Circles, partially funded by the Casey-Cardinia Foundation’s Ripe for Change funding initiative.

Ripe for Change is a place-based community grants program delivered by Sustainable Table, in partnership with founding philanthropic partners, Morris Family Foundation and Garry White Foundation. It was designed to improve our food-system and deliver enhanced health, employment and sustainability outcomes for the population and environment.

Ripe for Change began in 2017-18, following an in-depth review of local food-system challenges in Victoria. This revealed the key leverage points where philanthropic engagement could have the most meaningful impact at a community level.

Taking a ‘place-based’ approach has proven an effective way to empower community-led solutions. Since inception, Ripe for Change has developed deep connections within Casey, Cardinia, and the Mornington Peninsula, which forms a highly productive region of Victoria’s foodbowl. Over $330,000 has now been awarded in food-system grants; strong relationships have been formed; and Ripe for Change has evolved into a powerful connector in the region.

Ripe for Change is extending its impact each year through research, facilitation, government advocacy and attracting new philanthropic partnerships. Excitingly, planning is now underway to replicate this successful model in North Queensland. If you would like to become our Mackay-Whitsundays Program Manager, applications are now open.