Vending-machine style boxes could be installed on the verges of willing homeowners to provide free food to the homeless in Cockburn - in an Australian first.
Having witnessed a similar concept at work in Mexico, Scott Johnson hopes to pitch the "you matter" boxes to the City of Cockburn next month.
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Vending machine for those in need
A Perth community could be the first in Australia to trial a new way to help those doing it tough on the streets. Vision: Ten Eyewitness News
If taken up by the council, the boxes will be installed on verges and maintained by volunteers from Mr Johnson's charity AYLA incorporated.
An electronic code will be required to access the box to prevent opportunists from taking advantage of the freebies and the boxes will be filled with fresh food donated by volunteers on a daily basis.
![The vending machines could look similar to this once the prototype is finished.](/web/20160824020715im_/http://www.watoday.com.au/content/dam/images/g/q/y/f/n/7/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gqyane.png/1472001520453.jpg)
Mr Johnson believes it's just another avenue that can help those in need to access basic food in and around Perth.
"The concept is about empowering people, they don't have to come up to you and beg for food, they can keep their dignity, " he said.
Mr Johnson hopes to have the first box up and running before Christmas with more than 20 homeowners already offering their front yards for the project.
The boxes will be made of wood and metal to ensure they are secure and will prevent any rodents or pests from spoiling the food. Mr Johnson is seeking material donations so they can start to build the boxes.
![The boxes are essentially vending machines that enable those suffering hardship to food staples in their local area at ...](/web/20160824020715im_/http://www.watoday.com.au/content/dam/images/g/q/y/b/o/7/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gqyane.png/1472001520453.jpg)
To sign up for the programme those in need will need to contact the charity and have their situation individually assessed.
If the user meets the requirements they will receive an access code to enter the boxes.
Mr Johnson hopes to be able to give people the help they need in this innovative way that removes the negative stigma of receiving food hampers.
Unlike other charities, AYLA incorporated donates fresh food instead of non perishable items.
"We donate fresh foods. We want to empower people. If I give you a box of no name pasta I'm not empowering you to get out of your situation," Mr Johnson said.
"I believe it only takes one person to make a change and if we all make a stand anyone can make a change.
"We believe you are only in this world for a certain amount of years, so you might as well help everyone you can because money means nothing when you die."
Scott Johnson has dedicated his life to helping others and after building a school in Africa seven years ago with his his husband, he returned to Perth and started AYLA incorporated, a charity that provides service to those in need.
AYLA began as a small operation donating approximately 2-3 food hampers per week and has since grown rapidly due to demand. AYLA now donates over 1.5 tonnes of food per week and has branched out to include services such as counselling, an op-shop and the donation of household goods.
The City of Cockburn will be used as a trial ground and if it goes well Mr Johnson hopes to expand into other lower socio-economic areas.
It's estimated that there are over 9,592 homeless people in WA.
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