What is Food Not Bombs Hobart?
Food Not Bombs Hobart is a volunteer-run community group that shares food, practical support, friendship, and hope.
We believe everyone deserves dignity, belonging, and access to nourishing food. Our work is built around mutual aid, participation, and the idea that everyone has something valuable to contribute.
When do you meet?
Our shared meal takes place every Saturday from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.
Everyone is welcome to join us.
Do I need to be homeless or experiencing hardship to attend?
No.
Our shared table is open to everyone. Some people come for food support, some for friendship and community, and others come to volunteer.
Are your meals vegetarian?
Not always.
Many Food Not Bombs groups serve vegetarian meals, and we respect that tradition. Over the years we have faced practical challenges that led us to adapt our approach to local circumstances.
While we do not always follow a vegetarian-only model, we remain strongly committed to the principles that matter most to us: sharing food freely, reducing waste where possible, operating without hierarchy, treating people with dignity, and building community through mutual aid.
What makes Food Not Bombs Hobart different?
One of our most distinctive features is our commitment to remaining a genuinely grassroots organisation.
We have operated for many years without formal hierarchy. We do not have bosses, managers, or complex layers of control. Decisions are made through participation, conversation, and shared responsibility.
We believe communities are strongest when people work together rather than over one another.
What is mutual aid?
Mutual aid means people helping one another.
Rather than dividing people into “helpers” and “those being helped,” we recognise that everyone has strengths, everyone has needs, and everyone can contribute to community life.
Do you accept clothing donations?
Yes.
We accept suitable clothing donations, particularly seasonal items that meet current community needs.
For example, warm clothing, jackets, blankets, and winter wear are especially valuable during colder months.
Please contact us before delivering large donations.
How can I volunteer?
We welcome volunteers from all walks of life.
Volunteers assist with:
- Food preparation
- Food collection
- Meal service
- Pete’s Packs
- Clothing distribution
- Community events
- Fundraising
- Transport and logistics
No special experience is required.
Can children volunteer?
Families are welcome.
Children must attend with a responsible adult.
Young people under 18 who wish to volunteer should introduce themselves to Christiaan when they arrive so we can ensure they are properly welcomed and supported.
Do I need to volunteer every week?
No.
Some volunteers attend every week. Others help occasionally.
Whether you contribute once a year or every Saturday, your help is appreciated.
What are Pete’s Packs?
Pete’s Packs are practical care packages assembled by volunteers and shared with people experiencing hardship.
Depending on available donations, they may contain food, toiletries, clothing, and other useful items.
Do you accept financial donations?
Yes.
Financial donations help us purchase essential items, respond to urgent needs, support community activities, and continue our work.
We use Stripe to process donations securely through our website.
Please visit our Donate page for details.
Who do you serve?
Our primary focus is the inner Hobart community, although support sometimes reaches people from surrounding areas when resources allow.
Can you connect people with other services?
Yes.
While we are not a formal case-management service, we regularly connect people with other organisations, support services, and community resources when we can.
Do you have food safety procedures?
Yes.
Food safety is important to us.
Volunteers follow food handling and food safety practices designed to protect the health and wellbeing of everyone who attends our activities.
How can I get involved?
There are many ways to participate:
- Join us for a meal
- Volunteer your time
- Donate food or clothing
- Make a financial contribution
- Share our posts
- Tell others about our work
- Start your own small act of kindness in the community
Community is built by people showing up for one another, and everyone is welcome at the table.
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is Food Not Bombs Hobart? Food Not Bombs Hobart is a volunteer-run community group that shares food, practical support, friendship, and hope. We believe everyone deserves dignity, belonging, and access to nourishing food. Our work is built around mutual aid, participation, and the idea that everyone has something valuable to contribute. When do you… Read more: Frequently Asked Questions - Our ValuesOur Values At Food Not Bombs Hobart, we believe that everyone deserves access to food, friendship, dignity, and community. Food is more than nutrition. A shared meal creates connection. It reminds us that nobody should have to face hardship alone and that every person has something valuable to contribute. Food Is A Right We believe… Read more: Our Values
- Radical Act: The Shared Table
One of the most significant developments within Food Not Bombs Hobart has been the creation of the Shared Table. Today it may appear simple: people sitting together and sharing a meal. In reality, the Shared Table emerged gradually over several years of experimentation, observation, and persistence. It required challenging assumptions about how community food programs… Read more: Radical Act: The Shared Table - Welcome to Food Not Bombs Hobart
Welcome to Food Not Bombs Email - Rapid Kindness Network: Food Support with a Human Touch
Sometimes kindness begins with a simple message. At Food Not Bombs Hobart, our Rapid Kindness Network is designed to respond quickly when someone reaches out for food support. A text, email, phone call, or referral can be the start of a practical and caring response. When a request comes in, we do our best to… Read more: Rapid Kindness Network: Food Support with a Human Touch
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