The Woolworths Kingaroy team served up burgers as part of their free meal to the community.
On Wednesday 1 May, the volunteers of Woolworths team members did their first shift at The Meals Project.
The project is a new initiative, launched in April by the South Burnett Support Alliance and hosted at the Salvation Army hall, which offers a free meal to those in the community who are struggling every Wednesday night.
The Woolworths team is just one of different business, church and community groups who have decided to help out.
Woolworths Kingaroy store manager Sarah Gibson said this was an important initiative given the pressures of the cost of living.
“It’s a chance just to give back to the community,” Sarah said.
“It’s a simple gesture and a great team building activity.”
South Burnett Support Alliance Secretary Marietta Wetzig said they had about 25 people eating in which was ‘surprisingly low numbers’ compared to the 60 meals given out the week prior -with a mix of sit-ins and takeaway meals.
Groups are asked to provide and be there to serve a nutritious main meal and a dessert for those who are needy, vulnerable and struggling.
A group is needed to serve each week and The Meals Project organisers are hoping to get more groups involved -even to commit to just one meal a year.
“We need to start filling spots for June,” Marietta said.
Sarah encouraged more groups to consider volunteering for a week.
“Just do it -think about the people who need it and what you go home to and they don’t,” she said.
“It’s a really great cause.”
Any groups are welcome to help out, groups can range from sporting clubs, community, school, business or church groups . Contact Marietta on 0418 156 547 or email secretary@supportalliance.org.au for more information about volunteering.
FREE COMMUNITY MEALS
• Kingaroy: Wednesdays from 5.30-7pm
Those in need will be given the option on Wednesday nights from 5.30pm to 7pm to take away the free meals or sit down and eat at the Salvation Army Kingaroy hall (109 Kingaroy Street).
• Gayndah: Free community meal on every Wednesday from 6pm at the Gayndah Wesleyan Church Hall
• Kingaroy: Sunday lunchtime 12.30-1.30pm at the Old Railway Station at O’Neill Square
