Our Heart

Ark’d House FOODMARKET was birthed because of an identifiable need in our community to connect on a practical level with families in our community that were facing challenges. The strain of emotional, physical or financial pressure on an individual and a family unit has the potential to be destructive, especially when carried in isolation.

Since first opening our doors in March 2009 we have had the privilege of serving 8,000 families (3,400 this year alone) which is approximately 32,000 people. Each week, Ark’d House FOODMARKET supplies over 270 food parcels to families and this number is rapidly expanding. Each parcel contains approximately $100 worth of dietary staples, fresh produce, freezer items, bread and household goods for the low price of $30. We have Ark’d (given free) parcels to 620 families.

Our FOODMARKET’s high standard of service and groceries are only made possible by the tireless and consistent support of a team of over 50 volunteers. They are an extraordinary group of caring and dedicated people, some of whom first came to FOODMARKET as patrons. We love to serve to give.

Our Mission Statement

The aim of Ark’d House FOODMARKET is to serve the needs, provide relief, alleviate poverty, suffering, distress, misfortune and hopelessness of families and individuals wheresoever found in our local community regardless of age, sex, race, ethnic background, religion, political beliefs or marital status.

Our Current Initiatives

JOB SEEKER PLACEMENT AND TRAINING
The Ark’d House FOODMARKET has created opportunities for job seeker placements and training by partnering with employment agencies. We are continually endeavouring to expand the existing projects and develop new ones.

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS (CSP)
We have also connected with the Department of Corrections to become an approved location for community service placement. Throughout the week we have both males and females placed within our supervision. Through this opportunity they are able to build relationships and give back to the community. It allows us to have a greater impact and see wider transformation in our city.

COUNSELLING AND TRAINING
The Ark’d House FOODMARKET is an initiative of Dream Centre Christian Church. As part of the services provided to the community, we have a full-time qualified counsellor which allows us to provide support and one-on-one counselling. We have also been able to provide training for financial planning and budgeting, and short courses in computer skills, personal development, etc.

Our Partnerships

We are privileged to have the opportunity to partner with and access the following organisations; Food Bank Qld, Aldi and Woolworths. We extend a sincere appreciation to these organisations who have supported us with donations of 3% of our weekly stock. Currently we are purchasing 97% of all items we supply in our parcels.

Our Parcels

The following list is an example of what we supply in our parcels as items vary and are based on what we can buy from suppliers and what donations we may receive.

FRESH PRODUCE
Lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, potatoes, carrots, onion, broccoli, cabbage, pumpkin, cauliflower, apples, mushrooms, seasonal fruit and vegetables, bread, bakery items.

DRY STORE GOODS
Coffee, tea, cereal, milk, sugar, dressings, pasta, drinks, sauces, school bars, crackers, biscuits, cakes, chocolates, tinned foods eg. tomatoes, spaghetti, baked beans, soup, fruit snacks.

REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER ITEMS
Potato chips, potato wedges, pizza pockets, pies, sausage rolls, frozen vegetables, garlic bread, yoghurt, iceblocks, ice cream, custard, flavoured milk, sliced cheese.

A SELECTION OF SHOP ITEMS
Rice, cereals, packet pastas, noodles, chocolates, lunch box snacks, mustard, tomato sauce, dressings, mayonnaise, pasta sauce, pet food, tuna. Personal and household items eg. toilet paper, face creams, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, hair spray, shampoo, conditioner, baby wash, bleach, nappies, sanitary products.

Be The Change

The Ark’d House FOODMARKET is continually expanding. As the demand grows, our challenge on a daily basis is to resource enough food, produce and essentials to provide quality food parcels to each and every family.

There are opportunities for YOU to be a part of this amazing project and to find a need and see where you can be involved, whether it be through sponsorship (financial or with stock donation), serving alongside the FOODMARKET team, or by purchasing a voucher for a parcel to Ark someone.