Every week, about 70 boxes packed full of fruit and vegetables from our local supplier roll out of our premises and into homes across south-east Sydney.

Many seniors find it difficult to get to the shops on a regular basis due to physical challenges, so they’re a welcome reprieve.

“They’ve been incredibly valuable to me because my ability to go to the shops and carry large amounts of food is limited,” one recipient, Hillary Cartwright, says.

“The boxes also give variety to my diet that I might not get myself – plus, there’s amazing power in plants as they aid in health and recovery.”

One of our volunteers prepares the fresh produce boxes for delivery.

Hillary suffers from the effects of a broken back and struggles to lift heavy items.

“The boxes make an incredible difference to me – they keep me going,” he says.

Twice a week, every week Every Tuesday and Thursday morning, for the last five years, volunteer packers have been getting together in our South Eastern Community Connect storerooms, and making sure the boxes are filled with healthy goodies before deliveries start at 10am.

Volunteers are always welcome, so if you can help, let us know.

Another person receiving the boxes is Daphne Gent, who says she can’t speak highly enough of the fruit and vegetable deliveries.

“They’ve changed my life,” she says.

“I’m pretty fussy, but I couldn’t be happier about the quality and the selection.

“The staff are also very good, and very patient while they wait for the intercom to work and so on.”


A shoulder injury makes it impossible for Vicky Jones to do large amounts of shopping, so the fresh produce boxes are very helpful.

Boxes welcome in Woolloomooloo

Woolloomooloo resident Vicky Jones also enjoys the service provided to her every fortnight.

“Due to a shoulder injury I’m unable to carry many groceries at a time, so it really helps me to have the South Eastern Community Connect workers bring the boxes of fruit and vegetables in and place them on my bench for me.

“I’m doing it tough, living on a small pension and trying to make ends meet with multiple health concerns, so the boxes make a difference to me.”

What else do we do?

South Eastern Community Connect offers a range of services to help make eating healthy food easier.

These include:
• Fruit & vegetable deliveries
• Our door-to-door shopping bus
• One-to-one shopping with a support person
• List shopping
• Meal preparation in your home

Qualifying frail aged persons can request home delivery of fruit and vegetable boxes at a subsidised rate of $12.

Fruit and vegetable boxes are also available to individuals with a disability under 65, at a non-subsidised rate of $20.

If you are a new client we will conduct a brief assessment to determine your needs and find the best service for you.

Get on board the shopping bus

If you’re over 65 and like to do your own shopping – but transport is a hassle – our door-to-door shopping bus might be the right option.

The bus can pick you up at home at a set time and take you to Eastlakes or Eastgardens, and a volunteer is also available to assist you with your shopping.


Our Food Services Coordinator Jayne Lee.

One-to-one assisted shopping

With this service you can do your own shopping with the support of one of our aged care workers.

We’ll pick you up at home, help with your shopping, and take you and your groceries back home when we’re done.

There’s a $12 fee for this weekly or fortnightly service.

List shopping

Want your shopping done? All you have to do is provide us with a list and the money needed to buy your groceries – plus a small fee. Contact us here for more information.

Meal prep help

If you’re over 65 and would like a hand preparing your food and cooking up your meals, we can help you at a cost of only $10 per two-hour session.

At South Eastern Community Connect, we’re here to help. Contact us here for more information on any of the above services or simply call our friendly team on (02) 8338 8506.

* Names have been changed.

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