The Lockington community kitchen and foodshare was officially launched at the Lockington Bush Nursing Centre Christmas lunch, hosted on Tuesday, December 17.
East Loddon Food Share historically supported Lockington, providing food hampers and open pantry days, but due to increased demand has had to reduce its coverage area.
As a result, community members have created a kitchen and foodshare resource, based at Lockington Heritage Complex.
“It was just about seeing what we could put in,” project manager Michelle Stephenson said.
“To provide food relief but also a community kitchen.
“It means that we can provide a lot more, like cooked meals for those who are unable to prepare food themselves.”
Through Bendigo Foodshare, the group receives donations of food that would have ordinarily gone to landfill.
The community kitchen provides the opportunity for residents to receive cooked, pre-made meals as opposed to groceries.
This was a need that Ms Stephenson identified for older and vulnerable users who may be unable to cook for themselves.
Lockington and District Bush Nursing Centre manager Sharon Moran highlighted the environmental benefits of foodshare systems.
“We’re participating in our part in sustainability and environment conscience,” she said.
“What a great idea; turn something that was potentially going to become landfill and waste into meals that people that may not be able to cook for whatever reason can access on the day.”
As the project is in its early stages, there is flexibility in how it will run, depending on community feedback and requirements.
Ms Moran believes there are many possibilities for the future direction of the community kitchen, including hosting activities and events.
“It’s really a community-led model that’s evolving with the needs,” she said.
“We’re really just going to modify it to suit the needs of the community.
“We’ve got plans for the kitchen ... even an intergenerational cooking class with the primary school.
“Hopefully, we can involve different members of the community so they all feel they have some little part of it.”
Residents are encouraged to take as they need on open pantry days, with an abundance of food available for all.
The Bush Nursing Centre has received funding to create emergency food relief hampers, accessible at any time.
It has also encouraged local farmers and growers to contribute their produce, swapping and trading in a community space.
Ms Stephenson and Ms Moran said they were grateful to local organisations for supporting the project, including the Heritage Complex for donating their space, Lockington Action Club, Lockington Lions Club, the Channel Committee, the Felmington family, East Loddon Food Share and Bendigo Foodshare.
While many volunteers have already jumped on board to cook meals and support the kitchen and foodshare, those who are interested in contributing can reach out to the Bush Nursing Centre or Heritage Complex.
The Bush Nursing Centre can be contacted via admin@ldbnc.org.au, and the Heritage Complex at lockyhtg@outlook.com
Open pantry days and shared lunches will be promoted through the Bush Nursing Centre Facebook page, newsletters, local news and the centre’s website, ldbnc.org.au