Bus operator Kinetic has helped to significantly ease cost of living pressures in Melbourne through the use of its buses in charity Foodbank’s ‘mobile supermarket’ program.
The pair have worked together to distribute 135,960 kilograms of food to 8,706 families, with the program now into its third year. Now, it is delivering more meals at an all-time high rate.
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The initiative has reached 60 per cent more families in metropolitan Melbourne over the last 12 months according to Kinetic’s Impact Report 2023-24.
“We’ve seen the impact this program has made since it launched in 2022, bringing food relief to people who otherwise may not be able to access it,” says Kinetic’s Group CEO Michael Sewards.
“Our teams always jump at the chance to offer their time out on the mobile supermarkets and in the community, and it’s encouraging to see other corporates jumping on board to broaden its impact.”
The program uses two 18-metre ex-SkyBus buses customised with purpose-built shelving and refrigeration, and stocked with a range of fresh produce, pantry and staple items to offer a miniature supermarket experience direct to families in need.
Designed to provide healthy, nutritious food that is culturally appropriate for the communities it serves, the mobile supermarkets provide a sense of community and a welcoming and dignified shopping experience for families in need.
“Fortunately, we’ve been able to scale up so we can reach 60 per cent more families, in more areas, more often with healthy, nutritious food that suits their needs in a space that makes them feel welcome,” says Foodbank Victoria CEO Dave McNamara.
“Keeping that momentum going is our focus, continuing to bring the coolest supermarkets on the planet stocked with beautiful food into communities where they need us most.”
Kinetic supports the ongoing operation of the program through service and maintenance of the program, as well as providing drivers who volunteer to drive the buses.
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