Fonterra’s community projects in Oz

Grant recipients from the first round of Fonterra Australia’s Grass Roots Fund- for regional communities across Victoria and Tasmania where the co-op processes milk.

The Grass Roots Fund aims to sustain healthy, vibrant communities by sponsoring ideas, projects and initiatives that make a real impact. Projects must meet at least one of three criteria – bringing communities together, caring for the environment, and promoting healthy lifestyles.

Over thirty projects have been funded through the Grass Roots Fund, including creating veggie gardens at the Kyabram and Girgarre Preschools, new nipper boards for the Devonport Surf Life Saving Club, the purchase of new wetsuits for the Warrnambool State Emergency Service to assist with rescues and sports equipment for the Ellinbank Football Club.

Tania Chiswell from the Kyabram Preschool Management Committee said that she was very grateful for Fonterra’s support and they plan on educating children and their families around healthy eating and sustainability by planting their very own fruit and vegetables.

“We want to teach our kids sustainable practices around growing their own foods, looking after our land while picking and eating their own produce.

“Kids learn from hands-on education, observation, and participation, so this project will be full of fun interactive learning opportunities for all involved,” says Tania.

Since 2011, Fonterra has supported over 300 initiatives across Victoria and Tasmania. Fonterra Australia managing director René Dedoncker said the Fund was aimed at supporting the communities in which Fonterra operates.

“The Fonterra Grass Roots Fund is our way of saying thank you by supporting projects and ideas that bring our communities together and make them better, more vibrant places to be,” said Dedoncker.

The Fund opens the doors for a wide range of community projects with grants of between $500 and $5000. Applications for the next round of grants will be announced later in the year.