Providence Foods – providing for the community

Article originally appears at Ferntree Gully News.

Say hello to Mountain Gate’s newest neighbours.

Located next to Luks Pharmacy, Providence Foods is a family-run bulk foods store.

In recent years there has been a growing trend towards bulk or whole foods – thinking about how we can all live more sustainably, be more environmentally conscious, and create zero waste.

Providence Foods stocks a wide variety of grains, flour, fruit, nuts, teas, homewares such as tea towels, natural soaps and bath salts – even sweets! Chocolate pumpkin seeds have been a favourite.

There are no wrappers, no packaging – no waste. Bring in your own containers and the amount you want is scooped in and weighed. You take only as much as you need, and use less – so there won’t be leftovers sitting at the back of your pantry for years to come.

Owners Heather and Barry have been Mountain Gate locals for over 30 years. Heather says the aim is for the shop to become like a community hub (‘like the general store of yesteryear,’ says Barry), where you can pop in and say hello, and be greeted with service with a smile.

‘Come in, introduce yourselves and get to know us,’ they say. ‘There’s no question we can’t answer – well there’s a few! But we’ll try!’

Once restrictions ease, there are also plans to run classes in everything from making your own soaps to having a knitters circle (run by daughter Becky).

The shop first opened its doors on September 28th 2020. There have certainly been some challenges to opening during COVID, says Heather – but it’s all about looking to the future and providing positive, eco-friendly solutions.

There are many benefits to trying alternative foods – not just for the environment, but for your health as well!

After all, if we’ve learnt anything at all this year, isn’t it to live more simply and make the most of what we have?

Drop in and say hello at Providence Foods at Shop 24, Mountain Gate Shopping Centre. You can also get in touch by phone 0451 046 451 or email providencefoodsau@gmail.com.
There is also a website set to come at www.providencefood.com.au

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