By Olivia Condous
A Melton community group is doing their part to help residents get through a tough winter, by providing meals to those who are struggling.
Amazing Church has run Soup Kitchen Melton every year since 2013 and is devoted to helping the community.
Soup kitchen coordinator and Melton resident Aloi Tuariki said she started the service with the hope of lifting up the vulnerable within the community.
“We’re here to serve our local community because everybody’s struggling or hurting in one way or another, we’re journeying through this together, it’s just tough times,” Ms Tuariki said.
The group has worked with Melton council, the Combined Churches Caring foodbank and Matilda’s Bakery to deliver the service, operating out of Melton Central Community Centre during the colder months of the year.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the kitchen has operated on a pick up only basis, but the group hopes to return to a communal style kitchen where residents can gather together soon.
Ms Tuariki said volunteers had noticed more families seeking help in recent years due to the increased cost of living.
“What we’ve found recently is families that would not normally reach out for assistance in this area, actually reach out for assistance,
“We don’t ask questions, we don’t check healthcare cards, and we never have,” she said.
“We’re not here to judge or anything like that. We’re just here to provide a service.”
Soup Kitchen Melton will offer pick up services on July 23, August 13, August 27 and September 10.
To make a booking, call 0411 875 060.
