Wednesday, 16 August 2023

Vinnies Kitchen

Tom McINTOSH (Eastern Victoria) (09:55): Last week I visited Vinnies Kitchen in Rosebud and saw firsthand the delicious healthy lunches served by Vinnies Kitchen volunteers to locals in need. The cheerful and hardworking volunteers are in six days a week, making a difference on every one of those days. Vinnies Kitchen provides takeaway meals for members of the community who are doing it tough. The meals are warm, nourishing and delicious.

Last week I joined volunteers as they served a healthy veggie soup. President Ann-Maree Townsend and volunteers, including Debbie on her first day, Rita, Graeme, Joan, Lyndel, Michael, David and Jan, made everyone feel welcome and made people’s day. So much goes into getting this food prepared and ready for the community, and it includes stacks of generous donations such as those from Jim Cochrane Farms, who donate heaps of fresh veggies; Rye Woolies; Bakers Delight Dromana; SASI, Statewide Autistic Services; and Ark Foods, who help cook and prepare some of the meals. Vinnies Kitchen also runs a van with a chill fridge to get meals out to people who may not be able to make it, which is kindly supported through donations from Sargents Pies. There has also been a significant donation from Rosebud football club for the takeaway containers.

It is so incredible to see members of the community out in force making a real difference for those in need. I could not speak any more highly of the volunteers at Vinnies Kitchen. This is the generosity of the Mornington Peninsula community in action. Everyone should have a meal when they need it, and it is incredible that Vinnies volunteers have done it here for 30 years.