Food Talks in Macedon!
Wed, Aug 2, 2006; by Bill Coppinger.FOOD TALKS
A Combined School Community Lunch Project
The VCAL students from the Macedon Ranges community Based VCAL, Sacred Heart College and Kyneton Secondary College, supported by the Dietitian from Cobaw Community Health Centre, have developed a community lunch project, Food Talks.
The program was piloted in 2005 with a 5 week lunch program, held at Cobaw. These lunches were so successful that the students were keen to continue in 2006, and funding permitting a more ongoing program in 2007 and beyond. The lunches have been a resounding success, feeding over 50 people each week, with increasing popularity. the focus has been on cheap and nutritious meals, with a different theme each week such “the Essence of India” and a Taste of Morocco.”
In the process, the students honed their hospitality skills and developed a greater sense of community.
A steering committee comprising the dietitian, VCAL student representatives, teachers and a local community member who was a regular guest at the lunches in 2005, met weekly to develop the 10 week community lunch program. Students were divided into working parties responsible for different tasks including publicity, menu development, venue and equipment, entertainment and project naming. 
With Advance Youth funding, a hospitality coordinator experienced in engaging young people was employed. Lunches were relocated to a larger venue; the local Masonic hall with a commercial kitchen able to produce 65 meals. The Freemasons have been great supporters of the lunches, providing the hall at no cost and purchasing new crockery that the students are able to use.
The focus of the lunches is on building relationships, and developing a stronger sense of community- both for the students and the lunch guests. The project has proven its capacity to bring together different groups of residents and to link them to new and existing programs that build a sense of social and community connectedness.
Guests have included a young mums group, with their children, clients from Windarring, users of the Men’s shed, elderly citizens, job seekers and local workers.
We are currently looking at funding possibilities for 2007, as the Advance Youth funding may not be available for 2007.
If anyone has any funding ideas or sponsorships possibilities to allow this valuable project to continue, please contact Marcia McGrath, Program Coordinator Macedon Ranges Community Based VCAL, phone 54223819
Related Links:
- Why Community Based VCAL?
- Macedon Ranges community Based VCAL
Cobaw Community Health Centre
