Lately, we've been seeing a flood of messages and photos on our Instagram feed from the community showing empty supermarket shelves, and that’s even before we got hit with Cyclone Alfred. Since the cyclone has become ex-tropical, the cracks in our food system are more visible than ever. Thousands have been left without power, and with supermarket supply chains completely disrupted, people are struggling to access the food they need.
The Issue With Supermarket Supply Chains
Supermarkets are convenient… until they aren’t. Relying on them entirely leaves us vulnerable, especially in times of crisis like the one we just had. Recently, Nick and Brydie from Belvedere Farm came across a flyer that said the following:
“Attention Customers:
Due to the impending arrival of Cyclone Alfred, our Distribution Centres in Brisbane have temporarily closed. Unfortunately, this means we will not be receiving any deliveries (milk, meat, produce, or groceries) until 10/3/25 at this stage. We apologise for the inconvenience caused.”
That’s not just an inconvenience - it’s a wake-up call. When disaster strikes, the centralised supply chain grinds to a halt, leaving people with few alternatives. And while supermarket shelves sit empty, our local farms are still growing food and coordinating with their fellow farmers and small food businesses, ready to nourish their communities - if only we built a system that prioritised them. Even with major weather damage, local food networks, including farmers and food makers, work tirelessly to bring the community the food that they need.
The Reality of Our Food System
Nick and Brydie from Belvedere Farm put it perfectly:
"Australians have relied on Coles and Woolworths to feed them for my whole life. As major disruptions hit systems worldwide (climate, politics, pandemics), it becomes increasingly clear that we can’t rely on them to feed us into the future.
Our region, where this photo was taken, produces milk, pork, beef, chicken, eggs, corn, peanuts, soy, pumpkins and a variety of market garden veggies. We send all of it to Brisbane, hand over the majority of the value to faceless middlepersons, and then get it shipped back to us for people to eat.
Madness. It’ll take more than individuals making personal choices to fix this, but in the meantime, maybe this is a good moment to look at who feeds your family."
Why Supporting Local Matters - Especially in Times of Crisis
When we invest in local food systems with short supply chains, we create resilience. Here’s how:
🌱 Reliable Food Access – Local farmers aren’t dependent on long supply chains. They can adapt quickly, ensuring fresh food is available even when supermarkets fail.
💰 Stronger Local Economy – Keeping money in the community means more jobs, more reinvestment in sustainable farming, and less reliance on big corporations.
🥕 Healthier, Fresher Food – Local produce isn’t sitting in a warehouse for weeks. It’s grown with the seasons, making it to your plate before it loses flavour and nutrition.
And the best part is that the more we support local food systems, the more affordable it becomes. Right now, supermarkets might seem like the cheapest option, but that’s only because they cut corners - on farmer wages, on environmental sustainability, and on food quality - all in the name of higher profits and convenience. And when it comes to times when we need them the most, they often don’t deliver.
The Power of Community
At Spray-Free Farmacy, we’re committed to building a better food system - one that puts fresh, sustainable, locally grown food at the heart of our communities. When we choose local, we don’t just get better food, we help create a food system that can withstand crises like Cyclone Alfred.
Thanks for being part of this movement with us. Together, we can make a real difference. 🌱💪🏽
