Home Harvest Exchanges
Swapping your excess homegrown fruit and vegetables with your community minimises food miles, reduces waste and contributes to a more sustainable peninsula. You can learn from other local gardeners, expand your local network and make friends with like-minded people.
How does a harvest exchange work?
You simply turn up at the organised time, donate your excess fresh fruit and vegetables and help yourself to the produce you need. No money changes hands and there is usually no measurement of produce. Many people also exchange growing tips and recipes. Harvest exchanges are generally organised and hosted by volunteers.
What the law says
Provided all food at a harvest exchange is donated for free and is not offered to promote a food business, there is no need for food permits or food registration.
Keeping the food safe
When handling food, it is important to follow these few basic steps:
- Clean and wash food before donating and before preparing food from the exchange
- Maintain good hygiene when handling food
- Store foods safely when transporting them to and from the exchange
To find out more about good food hygiene, contact the Department of Health, Food Safety Unit on 1300 364 352 or visit the Victorian Government Food Safety website.
If you'd like help setting up a harvest exchange email us.
Where are the Home Harvest Exchanges on the Peninsula?
Eco Living Display Centre, The Briars
Fortnightly harvest exchange on the 1st Saturday of each month 11am-12pm and the 3rd Thursday of each month 9.30-10.30am
Mt Eliza Neighbourhood House
Produce swap last Saturday of each month 9.30-10.30am. More information or email
Mt Martha House Community Garden
Mt Martha Community House has a ‘Share Shelf’ where you can share produce from your garden or from your pantry - all new & in-date of course.