The new space at Adamstown provides CatholicCare with the facilities to continue operating in a COVID safe way, while increasing their capacity to meet the growing needs of local people, particularly those suffering from the impacts of the pandemic.
The kitchen at St Pius X allows space for more volunteers, less time in the kitchen for Food Program Coordinator Baden Ellis, and more time to deliver meals out in the community.
Baden said the huge kitchen at St Pius X means they can now make and deliver 500-600 meals per week.
“Demand for our food service is higher than ever as people struggle with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“A larger kitchen is a fantastic opportunity for us and means we are able to provide essential food to more people each week,” said Mr Ellis.
Baden said many of the people who previously came for a meal from CatholicCare’s Food Van at Islington Park were sleeping rough or homeless, which has made it hard to locate them now that the Van is no longer operational due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“Less time in the kitchen means our volunteers can travel around looking for people with no fixed address that would have otherwise come to the Van for a meal,” Baden said.
With the Christmas season approaching, Baden says CatholicCare Food Programs will be providing food hampers to those in need.
“These hampers will include enough food for two or three meals, and will go a long way in supporting those doing it tough over the festive season.”
Anyone wanting to access the service can call 4979 1339 or fill in a form online at www.catholiccare.org.au/dara/home-delivery/ to receive a delivery.
Being not-for-profit, CatholicCare Food Programs always welcome donations and relies on the generosity of individuals and businesses to keep producing quality meals for people in our community. Anyone can donate non-perishable items and Baden also accepts fresh or frozen food from businesses to support his cooking.
To donate funds, please visit www.catholiccare.org.au/support-us.
To donate food items, contact Baden Ellis 0448 876 560 or email at BEllis@catholiccare.org.au, or you can drop a delivery to the CatholicCare office located at 51 Crebert Street, Mayfield on Monday to Friday between 9am-5pm.