Lisa, a mother of two children aged 11 and 12, had left a safe house after escaping domestic violence. Once highly independent, with degrees in social science and psychology and experience running her own shop in regional Victoria, she now faced the daunting task of starting over in a new community, with limited resources and ongoing legal pressures.
“There was always that feeling of not having enough to provide for the family,” Lisa recalls.
Fresh produce was often beyond reach, and meals were restricted to what little she could manage. The introduction to The One Box at her children’s school began to shift that reality.
“It improves all our well-being, what the kids eat, and what they eat helps their well-being and their schooling, because they can think and do schoolwork properly and sleep better. So it has a huge impact. Massive.”
The regularity of support became just as important as the food itself.
“The kids have a routine, they can eat properly. The other food support has also been very, very helpful when it does turn up – but not as helpful as The One Box, because we know that it’s a consistent item that we’re receiving every week. We know that it’s arriving, which makes the difference – knowing that it’s there every week, and that’s one less thing we have to worry about.”
This stability created space for Lisa to reimagine her own future.
“Receiving The One Box has been able to cut my time; it allows me to study and work and not have to worry so much about the stresses of going shopping and cooking. I suppose it’s just that peace of mind knowing that it’s arriving, and I can already have the meals planned.”
Moments of reconnection with her wider community helped Lisa regain a sense of belonging.
“I attended the Women’s Expo they had a couple of months ago. That was really fun. It was kind of one of the first times since being out of safe housing that I was able to go to something. I’d definitely go to that again or anything involved with that. It was a really good day.”
Most importantly, The One Box opened doors to a trusted support network.
“The connection I have with the school has been amazing. It’s kind of like a little community. It’s a little safe space. There’s no judgment there, and everyone’s just comfortable and able to relax and have a good time. If I need extra support, I know where to go now and I know who to ask.”
By 2024, Lisa had regained her footing; working, studying, and parenting with renewed confidence. For her, The One Box was more than groceries. It was consistent, dignified support that restored stability and helped her rebuild a hopeful path forward.
Measuring The Impact
To understand and track the difference The One Box makes, we work with researchers at Monash Business School’s Department of Accounting, who developed a Social Impact Framework to measure outcomes in three key areas: Nutrition & Wellbeing, Community Building & Support, and Financial Savings.
This framework ensures the stories we share are backed by real data and lived experience; showing how consistent access to fresh food, made possible through collective support, helps families rebuild stability and confidence.
Key Outcomes for Lisa
Nutrition and Wellbeing
- Fresh produce replaced the frozen and processed food Lisa once relied on
- Her children’s eating habits and routines improved; they could concentrate better at school, sleep better and feel more settled
- Consistent access to fresh food brought stability and calm back to family lif
Community Building and Support
- Through The One Box program at her children’s school, Lisa found a trusted network of people who cared and formed genuine friendships
- She gained confidence to engage in local events and connect with her community
- The sense of belonging and emotional safety helped her rebuild trust and confidence knowing there was somewhere to turn to for help when she needed it
Financial Savings
- Saved around $30 – $40 each week on groceries, freeing up funds for essentials and small family treats, like pizza night or Christmas gifts
- The relief of knowing fresh food was covered gave Lisa breathing space to focus on work and study
- The stability helped her move from surviving to planning ahead again
Your Support Makes Stories Like Lisa’s Possible
Lisa’s story can happen to anyone. Life circumstances can change in an instant, but with dignified, ongoing support, families can reach food security and rebuild.
Your continued support helps achieve meaningful change:
- Children can concentrate at school because they’re eating well
- Parents gain time and comfort, allowing them to study or return to work
- Families feel connected, supported and hopeful again
Thank you for being part of a community that believes in the power of dignity, consistency and care. Together, we’re ensuring The One Box can continue reaching more families across Australia.
To learn more view the 2024 Impact Report.
A big thank you to our research partner Monash Business School and our major sponsor The Fruit Box Group.
