Ecological Justice Hub food relief program - Jesuit Social Services

Ecological Justice Hub Chef Sharif ‘Johnny’ Hasan

Jesuit Social Services’ Ecological Justice Hub, based in Brunswick, is a permaculture garden dedicated to both social and environmental justice. The Hub is recognised locally by businesses, charities and churches as a thought and change leader in addressing disadvantage in the community through ecological means.

With the onset of COVID-19 restrictions, staff at the Hub promptly realised that many vulnerable members of the community would not risk venturing out due to health concerns and this would have an impact on their access to nutritious food.

Many distribution services of local agencies had been badly disrupted. Colleagues at Moreland City Council and the local support agencies suggested their people are “often in quite lonely situations, and a meal cooked with love will do a lot to cheer them up right now”.

The Ecological Justice Hub’s chef, Sharif “Johnny” Hasan, saw an opportunity for the team to get creative.

Jonny suggested that the Hub use its organic garden produce, its commercial kitchen and his professional cooking and catering skills to address the issue at hand. The team quickly mobilised and since Thursday 23 April, the Hub has prepared over 250 organic, nutritious, gluten-free, nut-free, vegan meals in bio-cardboard take-away boxes. Each Tuesday, volunteers drive 30 of these individual meals to people in need within and around Brunswick.

The initiative has given Hub staff and volunteers more time to greet people, talk with them (at an appropriate distance) and check that they’re okay. While restrictions continue, the Ecological Justice Hub hopes to continue to ease the burden and offer love and nutrition to those doing it hard.

Making something out of nothing: from bottle tops to tools and wisdom

Most people see discarded bottle caps from milk and soft drink bottles as rubbish. Stuart Muir Wilson, Program Coordinator at our Ecological Justice Hub, sees them as a way to reimagine climate education and climate action in schools.

Alliance key to climate justice in the Northern Territory

The Northern Territory is on the frontline of intensifying heat, extreme weather events, and rising sea levels. Remote communities and homelands across the Territory are particularly at risk of these impacts with many Aboriginal communities already facing food insecurity, a lack of safe drinking water and access to reliable, affordable electricity. The Climate Justice Alliance, established in the Territory in 2021, strives towards a just transition - one that focuses on adapting to the impacts of climate change, and on the alternative economic futures needed to ensure justice for people and planet.

Neighbourhood houses building climate resilience and community connections

In the city of Darebin, nestled in the inner north of Melbourne, there are many community members who experience multiple forms of disadvantage and are vulnerable to the impacts of heat. As extreme weather events become more frequent, the Centre for Just Places is working closely with communities like Darebin, to build climate resilience. The Centre empowers them to cope with the impacts of climate change and to continue thriving as connected, vibrant communities.

School canteens feed curiosity

The Currawong Kitchen school canteen was established in 2020 to provide healthy school snacks, catering, and food hampers to families in the historically disadvantaged and under-serviced area of Mount Druitt. Two school canteens now sit alongside Jesuit Social Services’ affordable grocery stores, Ignite Food Store and Open Pantry, where the parents of school children can shop in a supportive, educational, low-cost setting. As Chandelle, who oversees Jesuit Social Services' food security programs in Western Sydney, explains "We’re different from a typical school canteen. We’re passionate about inspiring children to be curious about what they eat and encourage them to try a variety of healthy foods. We want them to develop their palates and trust their taste."

Nine Yarra neighbourhood houses join forces to strengthen local climate resilience

Nine Yarra neighbourhood houses gathered this week to launch a plan to reduce their environmental footprint and support the local community to adapt to climate change.

Open Pantry helping provide food security and connection

Hear how Open Pantry delivers healthy meals and community for the Western Sydney residents.

View from The Bush Hut

Jesuit Social Services staff explore how nature-based therapy can enhance their practice

On a rainy morning in a patch of Kew bushland, Jesuit Social Services staff gathered to learn about nature-based therapeutic practice and the ways it can enhance their work with participants, and improve their own wellbeing.