A new partnership between Woodlane Orchard and Rural Business Support (RBS) is delivering more than just meals to farming families across South Australia.
Through the Families Feeding Farmers – Pay It Forward campaign, South Australians are being invited to show their support for rural communities doing it tough.
For $50, people can donate a Pay It Forward Farmer Pack – a shelf-stable food pack filled with hearty, home-style meals created using locally grown, rescued produce.
Prepared by Woodlane Orchard and distributed through RBS’s network of rural financial counsellors, each pack becomes a small but meaningful gesture of care to families facing the pressures of long-term drought, rising input costs and the weight of another challenging season.
“This is about community supporting community,” said Kelly Johnson, founder of Woodlane Orchard and 2025 South Australian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Winner.
“We rescue fresh produce that would otherwise go to waste, turn it into shelf stable meals and – with RBS – get it into the homes of families who truly need a hand.
“It’s a beautiful example of what’s possible when we come together with purpose.”
Each Pay It Forward Farmer Pack includes apricot curry, chow mein, savoury rice, apricot rice pudding and dried apples.
Delivered to RBS’s Murray Bridge office, the packs will be shared discreetly and thoughtfully with families already engaged in financial counselling support across South Australia.
The program supports not just the recipients, but also the local growers, producers and food systems that make them possible.
“Right now, our team is working alongside more than 900 farming families across South Australia,” Rural Business Support chief executive officer Brett Smith said.
“These hampers may seem small, but they have the potential to make a meaningful difference – offering practical relief during tough times and, just as importantly, sending a powerful message: you’re not alone, we see you, we value you, and we’re here to help.”
To donate a pack or learn more, visit woodlaneorchard.com.au and click on ‘Pay It Forward’.
Farming families and rural small business owners concerned about the season are encouraged to connect with Rural Business Support for free, confidential and independent financial counselling, contact 1800 836 211.
