Munchbox is a Geelong-based boutique meal prep and delivery service, specialising in artisan vegan and vegetarian meals and munchies. With a passion for providing delicious and nutritious food that is ethical, sustainable and affordable, all Munchbox meals are made from scratch using a balance of the freshest local and organic vegetables and fruit, grains, seeds and nuts and homegrown herbs. We chat to Eden Callick – the brains behind the business – about all things Munchbox.
Hey! Thanks for chatting to Forte! First up, can you explain how Munchbox became to be?
Munchbox was a daydream turned reality. I was in a really draining job I hated, and would spend the majority of my lunch-break looking for vegan food. The struggle to find a tasty, good quality, vegan meal is real. Sometimes it was so real I’d just give up looking, and go hungry. One day I hungrily and jokingly announced, ‘I’m going to open my own vegan food business’ and with that impulsive announcement, I quit my job almost immediately, and promised myself I would put my whole heart and soul in to becoming the best vegan chef I can be. With a whole lot of determination, passion and support from those around me, Munchbox was born and is now my baby! I guess a little bit of selfishness for me to have passion and purpose in life, as well as the lack of real quality vegan cuisine on the Geelong food scene is really how Munchbox came to be – out of necessity.
Where did your passion for vegan/vegetarian food come from?
I’ve always had a love and passion for food, but it wasn’t until I slowly transitioned to vegan that my passion turned into a true obsession! It opened a whole new door for experimentation in the kitchen; I want to create cruelty free food that tastes and looks better, but most importantly is better for you! Nothing makes me happier then feeding people and changing their views on vegan food.
Can you give our readers a run-down of how ‘Munchbox’ works?
Munchbox is an artisan meal prep and delivery service, providing chef made meals to you. Our munchers can order online any time before Friday midnight, with meals being ready for pick-up or delivery on Sunday. Ready for the week ahead! These hours will soon be changing to include 24/7 online ordering, with pick-up and delivery between 7am-7pm seven days a week. All meals come ready to eat or heat; those that are best enjoyed heated include a lit flame! We also specialise in events and corporate catering; so, if there’s a bunch that’s got the munch, we’re here to feed your sweet souls!
Where have you gathered most of your recipes and ideas from?
I’m constantly gathering ideas and inspiration from anywhere and everywhere! I have a collection of paper scraps with scribbled recipes, and sleep with a notebook next to my bed just in case I dream up a new idea. I have mood-boards, and future menu lists. It’s a mess really! I find so much inspiration and ideas from traditional non-vegan meals, and have been fortunate enough to work alongside some amazing non-vegan chefs who have (taught) and inspired me incredibly. My mumma and sister, who are huge vegan foodies, are always coming up with insane recipes for me as well. But each recipe is ultimately my own, made from scratch, tried and tested until it’s perfected.
How do you determine what local and organic ingredients make the cut?
We are passionately committed to sustainability and supporting our local community. Our menus are always based around the freshest seasonal produce, sourced from local organic farmers, as well as other artisan vegan businesses who supply some of our ingredients. We also lovingly grow all our own herbs, and as munchbox expands so will our veggie garden; to include some pretty crazy exotic fruit and vege!
What type of people does this service suit?
Munchbox is perfect for those who are time poor, but hungry, and care what they put in to their body. Looking for a delicious and nutritious meal, that isn’t frozen or full of crap. We put all the freshness, flavour, love and care into each meal, so you don’t have to! Breaky, lunch, or tea, pick up or delivery, we’ve got you covered so you don’t have to think about cooking a thing! Munchbox isn’t exclusively for vegetarians or vegans, but is perfect for those looking to try a tasty healthy alternative!
Do you do custom orders? Or is everything off the set menu?
Yes! All our meals are fully customisable to suit diet and taste! Don’t like tomato? Just let us know! Gluten intolerant? We got you! You can add or remove any ingredients and extras in our meals when you order. However, if you’d like our chefs to create something extra special just for you, we’re more than happy to! We can customise personalised menus, meal plans and munchboxes just for you!
Where are you hoping to take Munchbox in future?
Munchbox has big plans for the future! You can expect an ever-changing menu (to keep up with my ever-changing mind). We’ll be incorporating menulog and uber eats as apart of our service, and expanding trading hours and service locations in the very near future. There may also be plans for ‘munch mobile’ to attend festivals, markets, and events.. But I can’t give too much away! We have sooo many surprises for ya’ll, but I can’t spoil them all at once!
Check it out via Insta @vegan.munchbox or you can get your munch on at munchboxmeals.com.au