Project coordinators – Rosa Del Ponte & Sarah McLoughlin

“Keep your coins, I want change” by Banksy, street artist and activist

…feeding the heart and mind…There are people going hungry in our community…people suffering mortgage stress, those who can’t afford to heat their homes or have some unexpected expense come up…their needs don’t stop on the weekend and holidays but many services do. What’s needed?

The most obvious requirement is to simply feed those who don’t have enough to eat. Just as important is to identify, engage and help the people who may end up in this situation in the near future.  We conducted a survey of community services in the Blue Mountains and compiled the following report – Click here to view our Emergency Relief Practical Support Report.

 

The Blue Mountains Soul Kitchen is a place where you can get more than just a meal if you are struggling…help with contacts to services, volunteering opportunities in a commercial setting, companionship and alleviation of the sense of isolation that comes with these problems.

Weekend opening is a direct response to recent research identifying this as a priority by the community services sector.

We have invited other organisations such as the police, mental health units and youth services to be involved. With these services collaborating with our clients we will create programs that are sustainable and directly respond to community needs.

 

 

The Inner Light Foundation is a major sponsor and we are auspiced by Blue Mountains Family Support Service.  We have had financial contributions from Bendigo Bank, Blackheath Neighbourhood Centre, Blue Mountains Family Support Service, Winmalee Neighbourhood Centre, Uniting Church, Rotary Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise Club and Coles.

We see food rescue as a means of supplying the kitchen and our community service partners food for distribution, whilst having significant environmental benefits.

We have had food contributions from Aldi, Bakers Delight, Salvation Army, Hominy Bakery, Bakehouse on Wentworth.

 

Our wonderful Chef Steve, has dedicated a lot of time and effort into the provision of nutritious meals prepared with love.

 

More wonderful volunteers

It would not be possible to run our kitchen without our fabulous volunteers.  A big THANKYOU to all of you!

Another fabulous Volunteer