For the last three months, the amazing Megan Jordan has brought her own brand of magic to the OzHarvest Market in Kensington. Thanks to our National Food Rescue Partner, Woolworths, Megan has been seconded from her regular job as Assistant Manager at Woolworths, Wolli Creek to bring her unique insights and management skills to Australia’s first free supermarket.

Since starting the job in May, Megan has engaged the hearts and minds of both customers and volunteers in the market and always goes the extra mile to ensure people are looked after. “I’m amazed at the wide range of people that come to the market, some travelling from distant suburbs to get here,” she said. “The community room is the heart of the market, offering nourishment in the form of morning tea and healthy snacks, and comfort to relax and connect with others. I’ve watched friendships form and even seen love blossom between a young homeless man and a university student doing it tough.”

Not only does Megan bring a wealth of supermarket management skills, but her own personal experience of homelessness gives her a unique insight and empathy for many of the customers. “I can look them in the eye and say I’ve been where you are, I know how tough it is but don’t lose hope. My motto is never give in and never give up and as a result I’ve managed to turn my life around and can now give back to the community.”

When Megan first heard about the opportunity from Woolworths to work with OzHarvest on a short-term project, she jumped at the chance. “I came to the Market on a big community day called Eat.Chop.Shop and met Ronni who told me I was the new OzHarvest Market Manager – I was over the moon.”

Within three months, Megan has made a major impact on how the Market runs and above all, has created an environment where everyone feels valued and connected. “My guiding purpose aligns with Woolworths – bringing a little good to everyone every day – and running the OzHarvest Market allows me to do just that.”

Regular OzHarvest volunteers say the market is running better than ever. Megan’s biggest goal is getting more food and hygiene products in the market, “it’s crazy when you know good food still goes to waste and there is always a queue of hungry people who are in desperate need of food.”

The OzHarvest Market is made possible thanks to the generosity of TOGA Property Group, Woolworths, The Bread & Butter Project and Vanity Group. If you are a food or hygiene product business who would like to make a donation to the market, please call our logistics team on 1800 106 006.