Although it’s fairly new to the food relief scene, the Bay Leaf Community Kitchen has made a lot of progress since it started in 2020.
Providing fresh meals and food hampers to 64 families experiencing hardship, the organisation will soon be opening a new kitchen and drive-through relief centre in Breakwater – an achievement made possible by funding and donations provided by a range of local organisations.
According to charity co-founder Martin Rowan, the drive-through element of the service was always part of the plan.
As part of its 2021–22 Community Grants program, the Council provided the charity with a $10,000 grant to install 24 solar panels and power to the new kitchen. The running costs saved will help the charity do more for local families in need.
In the same year, Council also provided a $6,450 grant to help the organisation film cooking tutorials for families in need – a project that speaks to the broader ethos of the service.
Martin Rowan (co-founder Bay Leaf Community Kitchen):
There can be stigma involved in fronting up to ask for help. We want to provide a drive-through service so people can get support without having to get out of their car.
The need right now is enormous.
The money we’re saving families on food can be spent on bills like rent, gas, and electricity.
But it’s about so much more than food – it’s about getting to know people and providing them with love and support.
