Community
9 October, 2023
Cutting the cost of living
WITH the rising costs of living, local families are taking advantage of the chance to save on everyday grocery items thanks to the Warrnambool Unpackaged Food co-op.
Families across the district are reporting big savings through buying their pantry staples at the co-op.
The volunteer-run cooperative has been running since 1994, providing a range of products at great prices, with minimal packaging.
“At a time when households are really feeling the pinch with massive increases in the cost of living, our co-op is a great option,” Unpacked coordinator Louise Serra said.
“Our products include staples such as flour, sugar, rice, oats, tea, coffee and pasta and also a great range of nuts and seeds, coconut, dried fruit, vinegar, lentils, chickpeas, beans, couscous, shampoo and conditioner, laundry liquid and many other products.”
Ms Serra said one of the co-op members recently did a price comparison after shopping at the co-op.
“They spent $64 at the co-op and said the same products would have cost them $124 at the local supermarket.
“Products are purchased directly from wholesalers to minimise costs and one of the main aims of the co-op is to purchase in bulk to avoid as much packaging as possible”.
The co-op is 100 per cent run by volunteers, with members paying a small annual fee, and then being part of a monthly roster system to run the food pick-ups.
Members book in a spot and take along their own containers or bags to fill up - and pay for the products based on weight.
“The other wonderful benefit of being involved is the great social connections you get to make with others, swapping recipes and having fun with like-minded people,” Ms Serra said.
Pick-ups are run on the first Friday of every month (except January) from 12.30pm-7.30pm.
The co-op is located at The Den, on the eastern wing of the Uniting Church, 133 Koroit St Warrnambool.
For more information contact the group’s coordinator Louise Serra at unpackedcoordinator@gmail.com.
