Following devastating bushfires, Corryong's Josh Collings saw a need in the Upper Murray to provide fresh produce to the region's small communities.
After almost two years, and a pandemic, he has been recognised for his work through the creation of Acres and Acres Cooperative.
For that, Mr Collings took out the Community Legend award at the recent Victorian Health Promotion Awards.
The cooperative started from the small food swap group in the region with the aim to set up a series of community market gardens across the Upper Murray.
Mr Collings said they wanted to empower communities to grow, sell, and provide produce for locals.
"As COVID hit it was just like we're at the end of the line," he said.
Acres and Acres have not only established several market gardens but is also set up a tool library to allow farmers to borrow equipment as needed, especially those starting out on the land.
"It's hard to get started if you haven't been given land or passed down the land in families," Mr Collings said.
"It's literally impossible.
Acres and Acres are now supplying stores across the Upper Murray with fresh produce, with around 20-25 food boxes going out each week.
Award a surprise
Mr Collings admitted he was not very prepared for the awards, receiving a call while working in the field when his category was about to be called.
"I was trying to organise it while I was on the tractor, shovelling the compost, and the internet's not always the best up here," he said.
"I couldn't get the live stream up, but everyone was in the Q and As chatting and I could get in there, which was good."
Mr Collings said he was happy to see the work that had gone into the organisation from their staff and volunteers recognised.
