The coronavirus pandemic has had a major impact on the provision of free and low cost food to the needy in Sutherland Shire by community organisations and churches.
Takeaway meals have replaced eat-in services in some cases, while another provider has had to restrict assistance to emergency relief and food hampers.
Some services have closed.
St Vincent de Paul Society has published an updated guide to food support services in the shire, including locations, service times and contact details.
The guide is available from Vinnies retail shops, Centrelink offices, council libraries, some supermarkets and TAFE colleges.
One Meal Sutherland Shire is among organisations doing amazing work as demand grows due to the impact of the pandemic.
Matt Harward, who was Sutherland Shire Council's 2018 Citizen of the Year, started the food service for the homeless at Sutherland in 2016.
One Meal is now providing takaway meals at Sutherland on Sundays, Miranda on Tuesdays and Cronulla on Thursdays.
Facebook posts reveal how theses services are so dependent on the support of local businesses and the generosity of volunteer workers.
Recent posts include:
Miranda Service ~ Tuesday 21 July. "Tonight was a good one as we had our first roast in a long time and an impromptu Christmas in July! Thank you Diggers Miranda and Shire Salvos for helping us to make a cold winter night a little bit warmer! Along with the roast, bags were filled with fruit, breakfast packs, snack packs and of course dessert. We are so appreciative of our volunteers who continue to help put a smile on peoples faces each and every week and social distancing and wearing masks with a smile".
Sutherland Service - Sunday 19 July. "We had 31 people drop in for takeaways, with quite a few new faces, indicating a sign of the times the good news....we know last night they all had full bellies as our wonderful volunteers had once again outdone themselves. The containers were full to the brim with rissoles, chicken schnitzel, vegetable pasta bake, fried rice, cauliflower bake, broccoli and roasted cauliflower. There was also a sweet treat of cookies, some healthy fruit and a breakfast pack thank you to all our volunteers, no matter what job, big or small, this service continues because of you. The same goes to our sponsors who continuously provide their support - Shire Foods, Italian Food Affair, Fresh Roasted Nuts - Stax Foods, Tradies and Grind Espresso."
Cronulla service Thursday 23 July: "Lovely evening with around 14 patrons joining us for delicious tucker thanks to Highfield Caringbah, yummy chocolate brownies thanks to Rochelle Robinson Bryant, plus breakfast packs. Also plenty of fruit from Cronulla Gourmet Grocer, which was delivered by the delightful Maryanne from Ladies Running Errands Shire. Thank you to our wonderful volunteers Rachael, Mardi & Karlyn".
