Foodswell works to promote the prevention of disease caused by poor diet, inadequate nutrition and associated social, emotional and environmental determinants of good health by creating change towards greater food security and healthy environments for all Australians. 

On a hot and hungry planet and here at home, our food security and landscapes are increasingly vulnerable. We consider action to improve the health, resilience and sustainability of our food systems and to support 'two-way' stewardship of the lands and waters that nourish us all, as integral to what we do and how we work. This aligns with the 'biopsychosocial model of health', Australia's National Report on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention (2012), that informs our approach to health promotion. 

Foodswell's work includes and expands upon the activities of the Remote Indigenous Gardens Network (RIG Network) that was established in 2009 to support and promote local food production in and by remote communities for better health and wellbeing. We design and deliver events and workshops, invest in thoughtwork, networks and co-develop projects with partners. Our place based activities are delivered with communities in the Northern Territory, Queensland, Sydney and New South Wales. Our podcasts, newsletters and other media reach across Australia.

Why?

• Drought, bushfires, COVID - have exposed the vulnerability of our food systems and natural environments, highlighting need for 'linked-up' further action to build collective wellbeing and resilience 
• In Australia diabetes and obesity is a 'burgeoning pandemic', that coupled with climate change is recognised as part of the 'global syndemic' 
• Indigenous Australians suffer a burden of disease two-and-a-half times greater than that experienced by the total Australian population
• About 80% of the health gap difference is due preventable chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease
• Nutrition is a major contributor to these conditions
• Basic nutritious foods in rural and remote Australia often cost up to 30% (if not much more) than in capital cities and are often not reliably available
• The UN World Food Summit defines food security as existing "when all people at all times have access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life"
• Some two million Australians do not satisfy the above definition and one million Aussie kids still go to school without breakfast or bed without dinner each night (Foodbank Australia, End Hunger Report 2012). COVID and associated hardship has increased food insecurity across Australia 

What we do

• NEW PODCAST DEC 2020 - NOURISHING MATTERS TO CHEW ON
• IN DEVELOPMENT: Youth diversion and mentoring on country.  Major new project, 2021
  • Feasibility work and business planning in process. 

• Healthy and sustainable food - Research, publications, digital information and communications 
  • Nourishing Matters to Chew On podcast, healthy and sustainable food agendas & how they are landing here 
  • Foodswell RIG News, Foodswell and RIG Network websites, resources, publications and social media, 2009 - ongoing
  • Food and other gardens in and about remote communites: A Guide - planning considerations project opportunities, pub. 2013
  • Policy work and submissions to Government inquiries - eg. Remote Food Pricing Inquiry 2020

• Facilitate change communities. Co-design/delivery, events and outreach, food and environment, such as:
  • Homebased edible gardening and social connection research project - Ageing Australians and Food Relief Settings, Sydney, 2021 
  • From Triage to Recovery: Healing people and country together, Greater Sydney Basin, in partnership with WSU, 2020
  • The Big Lunch - Food, family, community rural and regional events, Moree, Brewarrina and Inverell, 2015-2016

• Community development, education and training. Supporting people to grow food and to their own solutions, include: 
  • RIG Network gardening and local food workshops - community, community development, training and health promotion practitioners
  • EduGrow Remote School Garden Awards, Arnhem Land (2012-2015), the EduGrow Storytelling, Sharing Program 2018 - ongoing
  • Professional Development workshops - food gardens, local food systems and opportunities; community and economic development, with diverse CDEP and CDP organisations and regions, NT, WA and Qld, 2010 - 2016

What you can do

Please consider making a donation to Foodswell in 2021. 

Your donation will directy support us to scope and plan the two 'big projects' and the social impacts we want to grow in 2021 as well as help cover operational costs, enabling us to continue to support the communities and individuals who approach us for advice and assistance. 

We are a small, nimble organisation lead by a professional Board and a passionate CEO. Until now, Foodswell's social impact has been realised mostly with voluntary input, occasional commissions and the support of event based sponsors.

In 2021 we aim to grow our social impact and we're changing how we operate. We'd value your support and are keen to hear from you if you'd like to discuss what we do. Contact us @  foodswell01@gmail.com

Foodswell acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We acknowledge that sovereignty has never been ceded and pay our respects to all First Australians, their cultures, and to Elders past, present and emerging.