Village Kitchen Privacy Policy
Version: 1.0 Last Updated: May 29, 2025

This Privacy Policy explains how Village Kitchen (“we,” “us,” and/or “our”) collects, uses, and discloses information from individuals (“you” and/or “your”) who access and use our online community, mobile apps, or services (collectively, the “Platform”).

By using the Platform, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy and our Terms of Service. We are committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

1. Personal Information We Collect

A. Information You Provide to Us

Registration Information: Name, email, household size, dietary exclusions, suburb, and other onboarding details.
Profile and Preferences: Allergens, ingredient exclusions, food safety declarations, swap preferences.
Content Submissions: Posts, reviews, questions, replies, photos, and comments.
Communications: Emails, support requests, chat messages, and participation in promotions.
Payment Information: Processed securely via third parties like Stripe. We do not store payment details ourselves.
B. Information Collected Automatically

Device and Usage Data: IP address, browser type, referring/exit pages, pages visited, mouse activity, and interactions.
Geolocation: Approximate location based on IP and device settings.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies: Session and persistent cookies, web beacons, and analytics tools (e.g., GA4).
C. Information from Third Parties

Social Media & Integrations: If you link a social media account or interact with us via platforms like Instagram or Facebook.
Marketing & Referral Partners: Email tools, affiliate links, and referral tracking.
Community Platform: Your use of our Circle.so-hosted community may result in additional data collection managed via Circle’s systems.
2. Sensitive Information

As part of your profile, you may provide health information, such as food allergies or intolerances. This is considered sensitive information under Australian law. By submitting this information, you consent to its collection and use for safety, matchmaking, and event coordination purposes.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

Deliver and personalise your Village Kitchen experience
Facilitate meal swaps and events with your local community
Ensure food safety and allergen awareness
Process payments and subscriptions via Stripe
Communicate service updates, offers, and event info
Monitor platform performance and usage
Comply with legal obligations
Enhance our services via third party providers (e.g. analytics and integration software)
4. Disclosure of Personal Information

We may disclose your information to:

Other Members: Information you choose to share (e.g., allergen warnings) may be seen by others in your cluster
Service Providers: Including but not limited to analytics, integration and support vendors
Marketing Partners
Legal Authorities: If required by law, court order, or to protect legal rights
Buyers/Sellers: In connection with business transfers, sales, or mergers
We will not sell your data.

5. International Data Transfers

While our company is Australian, some systems (e.g. Circle, Stripe, Airtable) may store data offshore (e.g., in the U.S. or Europe). By using our Platform, you consent to this international transfer and acknowledge that not all countries have the same data protection laws as Australia.

6. Children’s Privacy

Village Kitchen is not intended for individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children.

7. Your Choices

Access/Update: You can update your profile within the Platform.
Delete Account: Contact support@villagekitchen.com.au to request deletion. Some data may be retained for legal or operational reasons.
Marketing Emails: You can unsubscribe using the link in our emails.
Push Notifications: You may turn these off via your device settings.
Cookies: Adjust browser settings to control cookie use. Some functions may be affected.
8. Security

We take reasonable steps to protect your data using secure systems and third-party partners. However, no online platform is entirely secure.

9. Contact Us

For questions, corrections, or complaints about your privacy, please reach out via the Contact Us page of our website www.villagekitchen.com.au/contactus