People with disability will be central to the relaunch of the beloved DO Food Project’s new cafe in Gisborne this November.
Operated by Distinctive Options (DO), a local organisation supporting people with disability, the project will be operated within the Macedon Ranges Health building on Neal Street.
Distinctive Options’ employment branch DO Pathways has partnered with Macedon Ranges Health to offer nutritious, delicious and affordable food to the community.
DO Pathways development manager Paul Pearman said the organisation was “delighted” Macedon Ranges Health had invited them to revitalise the eatery.
“The cafe will be a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone,” he said.
“Preparations are well under way and there’s a buzz of anticipation within our crew. We’re currently designing the menus in consultation with a nutritionist. The whole vibe will be fresh, modern and tasty.”
Staffed by up to four supported employees, the cafe is the start of a bigger plan to empower and educate change in food habits for people with disability.
DO supported employee Laura Grabham can’t wait, and said she would “learn so many more skills like making coffee and handling money”.
Fellow supported employees Lochlan Baillie and Jessica Opie are stoked too, excited to meet new people through the project.
The cafe is set to provide the much-needed, healthier dine-in or takeaway options in town, while locals have the satisfaction of knowing they are supporting a not-for-profit business.
The DO Food Project cafe will open in early November, open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm. The official opening day and cafe name will be announced soon.
Elsie Lange
