Jay Marinis, Rose Lacoon Williamson and Lilly Stephens came together in the last few years to realise a long-incubating vision for wellbeing in the Adelaide Hills, and food is one of the magic ingredients.

Billie Cornthwaite’s love of connecting with and protecting the natural world began with her childhood on a farm in rural Victoria. She never could have known the journey these beginnings would take her on - a journey through university studies in marine biology to the local catering business she now runs.

In 2021, Brooklyn Mabbott decided to build the job and the business for herself that she couldn’t find out in the workforce - a business raising seedlings grown with love and attention, and a mentorship program to make gardening and connecting with nature more accessible for individuals with disabilities. It’s taught her a lot about balance, independence, and having the courage to take the road less travelled.

Founded in 2018, the Foodprint Experience is where good food does good things. Cafe founder, Mel sources produce and products locally, with permaculture principles infusing not only her food but her business model. Every meal or coffee purchased provides employment opportunities to vulnerable and disadvantaged communities, with employment opportunities at the cafe too.

Brendan, Jaccob and the team at Adelaide Fruit & Veg Delivery started out in the uncertainty of 2020’s early lockdowns bringing fresh produce from the Central Markets to people in their community. Now, as the business grows and changes, they chat to us about the challenges, wins and possible future directions for their exciting project.

“Food is not just about food, it’s about other things as well.” We had a chat with media and cultural scholar, Dr Michelle Phillipov about the popularity of programs such as MasterChef, increasing activism in food, and what it means to have ‘choice’ in a food system that is heavily influenced by the media.

Located on half a house block in Mitchell Park, less than 10kms from Adelaide’s city centre, is our capital city’s only micro urban farm. With an open-gate policy every Thursday, Wagtail serves as a hands-on educational farm that delivers nutrient-dense veggies to locals.

Less than an hour’s drive from Adelaide is The Sacred Grove, a haven for three of Australia’s finest medicinal plants. Growing Sandalwood, Native Pine, and Scented Emu Bush, founder Edmund Gooden produces essential oils, massage oils, and teas that help connect people to these plants’ ancient heritage.

While usually the Barossa Valley region is associated with grape growing and wine tastings, it once was abundant with stone fruits, apples, and pears. Trevallie Orchard at Angaston remains steadfast as these historical orchards have changed over time to grapevines, with Hill-Smith family owners determined to stay connected to their local, seasonal, and traditional roots.

On Adelaide’s northside, in the suburb of Enfield, Rachel Eckermann is tending to a vibrant home garden. Growing up, Rachel’s playground was often a chook pen or vineyard and the dinner table usually featured homegrown or locally sourced produce. Safe to say this idea of self-sufficiency stuck. Rachel now has a thriving home garden and qualifications in agriculture, horticulture, and conservation.

Located in Glengowrie, Mijbil Urban Farm is a suburban oasis that celebrates bringing community to the forefront and the front yard. With their garden in full view from the sidewalk, passersby are encouraged to say hello and wander through to pick their dinners. The farm is also a family home where Lynne and Michael Gunn have raised their two sons and housed chooks for 15 years.

Do you have excess homegrown produce? No problems! Bring it along to the Seacliff Community Produce Swap. Everything is placed on a big share table and everyone is welcome to help themselves. Bring a little or a lot. The swap helps connect local home gardeners and promotes sharing among neighbours.