BOTANIC Wine Garden donated their culinary and dining expertise by taking over the Port Anglican Soup Kitchen on July 25.
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Each Wednesday the kitchen offers a place to come for a cuppa and lunch, with morning tea available from 10am and a three course lunch from 11.45am.
Except this week there was a slightly different feel. The crew from Botanic Wine Garden cooked a brilliant three course lunch including a couple of their signature dishes. Hastings Fresh Meat and Ken Little Fruit and Veg kindly donated the meat and produce.
Rescued fruit and veg will be used as normal, delivered by OzHarvest through the Coles Second Bite initiative as well as other donated food and bread from generous Port businesses.
As well as the company and the food, patrons were treated to live music from local artist Chris Murray. The Orange Sky Laundry was on site.
“The objective was really to raise the profile of the soup kitchen to let the community see how important services such as ours are as so many are doing it tough,” said volunteer Karen Richards.
“It was a way to highlight the fantastic community spirit of local businesses and volunteers who donated food, time and money.
“It shows the good work done to reduce food waste and to encourage new volunteers to join us. Everyone had a great time and we fed lots of people.”
Over the coming weeks students from St Columba Anglican School and Newman Senior College will attend to help at the kitchen as part of programs initiated by the schools.
“It is a lot of fun for everyone involved – both volunteers and those who came for lunch - and it’s great to be able to provide something special for those who don’t usually get to experience it,” she said.