Community Canteens

Our Canteens serve a hot and healthy three-course meal, made from donated surplus food, while offering a social sanctuary for those who need it.

We work with supermarkets, greengrocers and markets to redirect their usable surplus food to our canteens, where volunteers cook up a delicious lunch. 

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The canteens improve well-being while developing a stronger sense of belonging, particularly for those who are elderly or socially isolated. They are spaces with a whole community approach. Everyone is welcome, and we get a great mix of ages, as well as vulnerable groups, including those affected by addiction, mental health concerns, low or no-income parents, asylum seekers, and the unemployed.

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While our canteens bring people together to enjoy a meal without the stigma of receiving a handout, 79% of attendees said they returned to socialise with people they met there and friendships have continued outside of the meal.