Food at community events

What community groups consider when food is part of a fundraiser or event in Victoria.

Theory and discussion only · Community education, not accredited training

Key takeaways

01Community groups selling food, even once or for a donation, must make sure it is safe.
02In Victoria, councils classify food activities, and groups register or notify them through FoodTrader.
03Sellers must be able to tell customers, if asked, whether key allergens are in their food.

In this course

01Why food rules apply to community groups

Food made for a good cause still needs to be safe. FSANZ explains that the legal meaning of a ‘food business’ covers charities and community groups, even if they sell food only once. Food counts as ‘sold’ even when people are only asked for a donation.

02How food activities are classified in Victoria

Community food activities may be class 2, 3 or 4
Class 2 covers high-risk food handling; class 4 covers low-risk
The local council decides the class and explains the group’s responsibilities
The higher the risk, the more care is needed

03Registration and notification: an overview

Before a food fundraiser in Victoria, a group must register or notify its local council, or the council where the event is held. Which one applies depends on the group’s situation. Safe Food Victoria says this is done online through FoodTrader.

04Allergen information for customers

Under Victoria’s Food Act, anyone selling food must be able to give customers accurate information about its ingredients. Safe Food Victoria says sellers must be able to tell customers, if asked, whether any of 11 listed allergens are in their food. The full list is on its page.

05Giving away free food

Giving food away is treated differently from selling it. FSANZ says charities, groups and volunteers giving free food may be exempt from some or all food business laws, but other laws may still apply. Remember, asking for a donation counts as selling.

Talk it over

What kinds of food events happen in your community? Which might carry more risk, and why?
Why do you think a donation still counts as a sale under food law?
How could a group collect ingredient details for food donated by many volunteers?
Who in a group should be responsible for checking the rules before an event?

Reflect

Think of a community food event you have been part of. What would you now want to check beforehand?

Which part of the rules for community groups surprised you most, and why?