Lisa’s story – Finding stability and rebuilding confidence 

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.

How we measure the impact

To understand and track the difference The One Box makes, we work with researchers at Monash Business School, 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; helping us see how consistent access to fresh food supports families to 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 life 

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 could happen to anyone. Life circumstances can change in an instant, but with dignified, ongoing support, families can reach food security and rebuild.  

Thanks to customers like you, every weekly order helps fund The One Box program, ensuring families like Lisa’s have reliable access to fresh nutritious food.  

Your continued partnership 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 propels us to be a catalyst for change. Together we’re ensuring The One Box can expand its reach and impact, helping Australian families most in need reach food security.  

Discover more about our impact in our latest Impact report: Fresh food as a foundation for food security.