Locally made. Community-driven. Changing lives, one fresh meal at a time.
When Shami and Sneha moved from Melbourne to Hervey Bay, they brought more than just their family and dreams — they brought a vision to create something meaningful within their new community. What began as a small, random idea — preparing and delivering a few fresh meals for NDIS clients — quickly grew into something far greater. As word spread, support coordinators and Aged-Care providers began reaching out, recognising the care, consistency, and quality behind every meal. In a short time, Social Box evolved from a home-grown idea into an essential community service supporting Aged-Care and NDIS clients, as well as individuals across the Fraser Coast and Wide Bay who simply needed a helping hand.
From the beginning, Social Box has stayed true to one simple promise: fresh meals — never frozen, always made with flavour and care. What started with just eight menu items has steadily expanded to thirty, then thirty-five, and now an impressive forty-six meal options — ensuring there’s something for everyone. Each meal is portion-controlled, labelled with nutritional information, and delivered fresh to doorsteps every week. Thanks to Aged-Care and NDIS rebates, most clients receive subsidies of up to 70%, making meals as affordable as $4.50 each, without ever compromising quality or freshness.
But the heart of Social Box has never been just about food. It’s about dignity, connection, and community. Every week, meals are quietly donated to locals experiencing hardship. The team is made up entirely of locals — many entering the workforce for the first time or rebuilding their confidence after setbacks — all trained, supported, and proud of the impact their work creates. Social Box also partners with other small regional businesses whenever possible, creating a ripple effect of collaboration and support that strengthens the Fraser Coast economy.
“Food is dignity. When someone opens that meal, I want them to feel cared for — not like they’re receiving a handout.”
That philosophy reached a new milestone on November 7th, when Social Box proudly opened its new production kitchen in Hervey Bay — an event celebrated with community leaders, including Mayor and deputy Mayor. The state-of-the-art facility has greatly increased production capacity, allowing the team to prepare thousands of meals each week while maintaining the same high standards of quality and care. It also opens doors to greater menu diversity, improved storage and logistics, and — most importantly — more local jobs for the community.
In recognition of its remarkable growth and community impact, Social Box is named a finalist for “Best New Fraser Coast Business” in the Fraser Coast Business and Tourism Awards 2025 — a proud moment that celebrates how far this local venture has come in just two years.
The next few years promise even more growth and purpose. Over the next twelve months, Social Box plans to extend its reach beyond the Fraser Coast and Wide Bay regions, introducing more dietitian-guided menu options and continuing its community meal support initiatives. Two new product ranges are also on the horizon, designed to cater to different demographics and dietary needs. Within two years, the company aims to expand into Gladstone, Rockhampton, and Gympie, supported by regional logistics hubs that will streamline deliveries. Looking ahead, the broader vision is to replicate the Social Box model across Queensland and interstate, while creating training and employment pathways for young people and those facing barriers to work.
“Scaling isn’t the goal — impact is.”
In a world where frozen, mass-produced meals dominate, Social Box continues to take the slower, more meaningful path — cooking fresh, caring deeply, and building community through food. Because at the end of the day, a meal from Social Box is more than nutrition — it’s comfort, connection, and care on a plate.
To learn more or refer a client:
Website: www.socialbox.com.au
Email: hello@socialbox.com.au