Community Eats

Homegrown Produce Exchange

Frequently Asked Questions

Community Eats is a platform that connects people who grow or have excess food with those who want to buy, trade for, or receive locally grown produce. Our mission is to reduce food waste, support local food systems, and build community connections through food sharing.

Yes! Creating an account, listing your produce, and browsing listings are all completely free. We don't charge any fees on transactions. The platform is community-supported and operates on a not-for-profit basis.

While you can browse listings without an account, you'll need to provide basic contact information to create listings. This ensures that interested parties can reach you regarding your produce offerings. Creating an account helps build community trust and provides a better experience.

Community Eats currently serves all of Australia. Listings are organized by location, so you can easily find produce in your local area. We're constantly growing, so if your area doesn't have many listings yet, be the first to add one!

You can list any homegrown produce, excess food items, or locally made food products. This includes fruits, vegetables, herbs, eggs, honey, preserves, baked goods, and more. All listed items should be fresh, in good condition, and produced following safe food handling practices.

Creating a listing is simple:
  1. Click the "Add New Listing" button from the homepage
  2. Fill out the listing form with details about your produce
  3. Upload photos of your items
  4. Provide your contact information
  5. Submit your listing
Your listing will appear immediately on the platform.

Community Eats supports four types of exchanges:
  • Money: Set a price for your produce
  • Trade: Exchange for other items (you can specify preferences)
  • Gift: Offer your produce for free
  • Databounty Tokens: Use our community token system for exchanges
Choose the option that works best for you and your community.

Listings remain active for 30 days or until you mark them as sold or unavailable. You can always update your listing if quantities change or relist items if you have more available after your listing expires.

You can find local produce in several ways:
  • Use the location filter on the homepage to select your suburb or postcode
  • Use the map view to see listings in your area visually
  • Use the search function to find specific items
The platform is designed to help you find the freshest local produce near you.

When you find a listing you're interested in, click on it to view the full details. On the listing page, you'll find the seller's contact information, which may include:
  • Phone number for calls or texts
  • Facebook Messenger link
  • Instagram profile
Use their preferred contact method to arrange the exchange.

Community Eats doesn't handle payments directly. Instead, buyers and sellers arrange payment methods between themselves. Common options include:
  • Cash on pickup
  • Bank transfer
  • Payment apps like PayID or Beem
  • Direct trade of goods
Always discuss payment details before meeting to ensure a smooth transaction.

Databounty Tokens are our community currency system that allows for alternative exchanges without using money. They work like this:
  • You earn tokens by gifting produce, volunteering at community events, or offering services
  • You can spend tokens on listings that accept them
  • Tokens help create a circular economy within the community
Contact us to learn more about participating in the token system.

Most homegrown produce is perfectly safe and often fresher than store-bought options. However, we recommend:
  • Washing all produce thoroughly before consuming
  • Asking growers about their growing practices if you have concerns
  • Checking produce quality before completing the exchange
  • Being cautious with prepared foods, especially regarding allergens
Our community relies on trust and transparency about how food is grown.

When meeting for an exchange:
  • Meet in a public place when possible
  • Let a friend or family member know where you're going
  • Bring your phone with you
  • Trust your instincts - if something seems off, cancel the exchange
While issues are extremely rare, your safety comes first.