Commitment to Community

Since its launch in 2015, The Australian Superfood Co has had a policy of prioritising the sourcing of native produce from Indigenous Australians. We work with Indigenous communities to wild harvest produce, as well as with Indigenous farmers cultivating native fruits, herbs and seeds. Currently, Kakadu plum, Wattleseed, Old Man Saltbush, river mint and a percentage of Strawberry Gum and Davidson plum are all sourced directly from Indigenous Australians.

Our procurement programs have generated seasonal employment for over 1000 Indigenous Australians. The opportunity to earn income is highly valued, and a number of communities use its popularity to leverage better educational outcomes for children, such only allowing adults to collect fruit if their school-age children are attending school.

An increase in demand for fruits, seeds and herbs creates opportunities in other ways too, such as packing, drying and freezing produce for southern markets. We’re hoping to add more employment opportunities as the demand for these ingredients grows.

Our mission

Indigenous Australians have had a deep connection to the land that goes back to the beginning of The Dreaming. For over 50,000 years, they have used native fruits, herbs and seeds to sustain themselves, while respecting and preserving the land for future generations.

When Australia was colonised by the Europeans in the 18^th century, the lives of Australia’s Indigenous population was forever changed. Today, Indigenous children are the sickest and most poorly educated in Australia, with many communities locked in a cycle of poverty, marginalisation and oppression.

While we recognise that we can’t change the world, The Australian Superfood Co believes we can make a difference. We do this by making small contributions, such as:

• Educating people about Australia’s rich history, and the abundance of native produce the country has to offer.
• Creating economic opportunities for Indigenous Australians.
• Giving back to Indigenous youth in meaningful, tangible ways.

Giving back

The Australian Superfood Co is a proud partner of Red Dust Role Models. Red Dust Role Models is an Australian health and wellbeing organisation with a 20-year track record of partnerships in remote Australia. Their ‘community-as-family’ model of health programming is inspiring change by walking side-by-side with community leaders and Elders to create a stronger future for Indigenous youth and their families.

Drawing on the strengths of all worlds that surround young people, they deliver high impact cultural, sport, music and art-based programs that inspire youth to identify and pursue their dreams.

Red Dust Role Models’ Healthy Living Programs see the lives of Indigenous youth enriched through a series of community visits aimed at building relationships, while conveying vital health messages. Elite athletes and other positive role models volunteer their time to spend a minimum of four days in community schools and health clinics throughout the Northern Territory’s most remote communities.

The impact of these visits – at both a community and individual level – is immense. The initiative has seen:

• 50% increase in school attendance
• Strengthened bonds and goodwill between young people
• Increased self-esteem and pride of students in the uniqueness of their culture
• Increased interest in studying, as well as confidence to participate in the classroom

The Australian Superfood Co works alongside Red Dust in a number of ways, including providing financial support, product-based donations, promoting Red Dust to potential investors and working with Red Dust to implement new community-based initiatives.

Community