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Incredible Woman Starts Project to Give Away Free Food and Build Community!

The Food Is Free Laneway

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Thank you!

This film was made possible through the generous financial support of the Biome Trust with assistance from The Gift Trust.

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The Food is Free Project is a community-building and food-growing initiative that began in 2012 in the USA and has taken root in many communities all over the world since then.


This film is about the Food is Free Laneway started by Lou Ridsdale in Ballarat, Australia. People leave excess food, seedlings, plants and even food scraps for composting on permanent tables set up in a laneway alongside Lou’s home. Anyone can take food for free. The initiative is not just about promoting the idea that everyone should have access to good food, but about drawing together communities to help each other to live and eat well. We loved filming with Lou – she’s super inspiring!

Community, Food & Gardening, Permaculture, Urban Living

About The Food Is Free Laneway

4 mins

Thank you! You have re-inspired my desire for a food is free area in front of my place!

@ayenohaj

YouTube

I’m crying! What an amazing woman!

@sarahneal5780

YouTube

Fantastic! I love this and message which is shared here- food is free. I plan to set up a ''food is free stall'' in my street.

@rachelaalbers

YouTube

Thankyou so much, for showing this simple, amazing, community collective of sharing food.

@growingtogether3052

YouTube

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