A community kitchen that feeds more than 150 disadvantaged Sunbury residents every week will celebrate two years of operation while keeping an eye on the future.
Every Monday night at the Elizabeth Drive Neighbourhood House, the Rotary Club of Sunbury’s Family Community Kitchen serves up good food, giving a chance for people who might otherwise be isolated to socialise.
Spokeswoman Marianne Williams says the free meal is a highlight of the week for many.
‘‘They so look forward to it,’’ she says. ‘‘Many of them do what they can to help, too, whether by volunteering or bringing in a bottle of cream, or whatever they can.’’
Ms Williams says the kitchen caters for people from many backgrounds who, for whatever reason, find themselves in need.
‘‘It can be people who struggle to afford good food, people who can’t cook for themselves … some of our regulars are older people who don’t know how to cook properly because they’ve lost their spouse, who always did it for them.’’
The kitchen survives on the generosity of an army of more than 50 volunteers and support from Rotary and organisations, such as food charity SecondBite.
Organisers will hold a ‘‘pay it forward’’ dinner on September 28 to raise money and help get ready for an influx of diners over summer months. People can enjoy a three-course buffet meal for $35, with each donation to pay for someone’s meal for the next 10 weeks.
The fundraiser, from 5.15-7.30pm, includes live Irish music.
A courtesy bus is available for Sunbury residents. Phone 0419 369 446 or email marianne@nmcatering.com.au
