A long-standing community initiative in Bacchus Marsh, the Soul Food Program, has recently relocated to a larger venue due to a significant increase in demand for its services. For the past 16 years, the program has provided meals and material assistance to local residents, but the surge in community need has prompted organizers to move from the St Andrew’s Uniting Church hall to the more spacious St Bernard’s Parish Hall on Lerderderg Street.
Program coordinator Jenny Kearney stated that the shift was essential. “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 explained. The growth of the program has been remarkable; in 2020, it served approximately 2,800 meals throughout the year. By 2024, that number surged to nearly 8,900 meals, with projections indicating the program could exceed 10,000 meals this year.
Expanding Services to Meet Community Needs
The Soul Food Program operates every Wednesday, except during school holidays, offering a hot two-course meal alongside additional food items such as bread, fruit, and vegetables. Ms. Kearney noted the program’s commitment extends beyond food relief, as it also supports local children by sponsoring their participation in sports activities for families facing financial challenges. “It’s been a huge success, but we’d certainly appreciate any businesses interested in helping us through sponsorship, as the costs can be quite substantial,” she added.
As demand continues to rise, the program faces increasing pressure on its resources. “Our costs have increased dramatically, so we welcome any private donations or sponsorships for the kids,” said Ms. Kearney. The volunteers running the program are dedicated to ensuring that community members receive the assistance they need, but they also recognize the necessity of external support to sustain and expand their efforts.
Upcoming Events and Community Involvement
In addition to its weekly meals, the Soul Food Program is preparing for its annual Christmas outreach, aiming to provide support to local families during the festive season. This year’s Christmas Lunch is scheduled for December 17, 2023. Regular meal services will resume on January 28, 2024.
The program serves the community at St Bernard’s Parish Hall, located at 61 Lerderderg Street in Bacchus Marsh. Doors open at 11:30 AM, with lunch served promptly at noon. Community members interested in assisting or donating to the program can reach out to Ms. Kearney at 0408 104 155.
The evolving needs of the Bacchus Marsh community highlight the importance of programs like Soul Food, which not only provide essential services but also foster a sense of togetherness and support among local residents.
