Staying Grounded

We believe sharing and celebrating food fosters connection and creates a sense of belonging.

Established in 2020, our Staying Grounded program provides training and employment pathways in farming and hospitality for people facing disadvantage in the Geelong region. In particular, we work with women from asylum seeker and immigrant communities seeking employment.

The 8-week program includes hands on kitchen training, paid employment, resume writing, job interview skills, references for jobs and ongoing communication, building pathways for meaningful work.

Growing food and cooking is often central to our participants lives, however many have limited work experience. We seek to provide the opportunity to transfer their culinary skills and food knowledge to the Australian workforce.

Each week participants prepare culturally celebrated meals with our fresh, organic produce. Meals are distributed to families and individuals facing limited food access through local food relief agencies Feed Me Surf Coast and One Care Geelong.

The skills, confidence and connection gained over 8 weeks is profound. Over 75% have gone on to find long-term employment, with some setting up their own entrepreneurial home cooking businesses.

We are excited to continue welcoming participants each year and thank our funders and partners for their support.

We are thrilled to share some of the stories from the program to date in the below video and photos.

These provide a beautiful insight into the benefits of the program and also showcases the power food has in connecting and empowering people.