A Bacchus Marsh Community food program which has supported members of the community for 16 years has been forced to relocate to a larger venue, amid what organisers say is unprecedented demand for meals and material aid.
The long-running Soul Food Program , which has traditionally served a hot lunch each Wednesday from the St Andrew’s Uniting Church hall, has now moved its weekly operation to the more spacious St Bernard’s Parish Hall on Lerderderg Street.
Program coordinator Jenny Kearney said the decision to move was unavoidable.
‘We’ve had a big increase in our numbers so we’ve had to move from the Uniting Church – we just couldn’t accommodate everyone there,” she said.
The scale of the program’s growth has been rapid. In 2020, the Soul Food Program provided 2800 meals to the community across the year.
By 2024, the figure had ballooned to 8900 meals, with the program on track to deliver more than 10,000 meals this year.
“We have a meal every Wednesday except school holidays, and we also give away bread, fruit, vegetables and a mix of other foods,” Ms Kearney said.
“We often have clothing and bedding available, too. The need is growing quicker than what we can keep up with.”
The program is run entirely by volunteers and has expanded its support beyond food relief.
“We also sponsor children to play sports for those parents who might not be able to afford it,” Ms Kearney explained.
“It’s been a huge success, but we’d certainly be appreciative if any businesses were interested in helping us by sponsoring, as the costs can be quite substantial.”
Ms Kearney said rising demand had placed considerable strain on resources.
“Our costs have increased dramatically, so we welcome any private donations or sponsorships for the kids,” she said.
Soul Food will continue preparations for its annual Christmas outreach, ensuring local families are supported during the festive season.
The Soul Food Program provides a hot two course meal every Wednesday at St Bernard’s Parish Hall at 61 Lerderderg Street in Bacchus Marsh.
Doors open to the community at 11.30am, with lunch served at noon.
This year’s Christmas Lunch will take place on Wednesday 17 December before returning to regularly scheduled lunches from Wednesday 28 January.
Anyone wishing to assist or donate can contact Ms Kearney on 0408 104 155.
