October 11, 2024
A community-based project to supply a free, hot meal every Wednesday night in Kingaroy celebrated its six-month anniversary this week.
The South Burnett Support Alliance launched the “Community Supporting The Community” meals project in April, prompted by the success of a similar community-based service in Dalby.
The meals are served up every week in the Salvation Army meeting room at 109 Kingaroy Street (next door to the Salvos store).
A different group takes responsibility every week, co-ordinated by the Alliance.
Alliance secretary Marietta Wetzig said that during the past 26 weeks, meals had been provided by local businesses, schools, charities, not-for-profit groups, service clubs, the QCWA … and even a group of friends.
“The exciting thing is that the company who are doing it tonight – Pakaderinga Feedlot – had so much fun last time they are coming back to do it again!” Marietta said.
Meals are either served as sit-down dinners or takeaways.
Marietta said on average about 35 meals were served at the tables every Wednesday, while there were another 70 to 80 pick-ups.
The group encouraged people to come in, sit down and enjoy a meal a meal and chat with others.
However, they also recognised that some families felt embarrassed, so people could also just slip in quietly, pick up a meal and leave.
The six-month anniversary was marked with a cake, proudly celebrating 26 weeks of free meals.
Marietta said she was hoping more local groups and businesses could get involved, including local sporting clubs.
Anyone interested, can contact the Alliance via their Facebook page or phone 0418-156-547.
Footnote: At the end of August, the South Burnett Support Alliance supported the start of a similar initiative, fortnightly on Wednesday nights in Blackbutt, run in conjunction with the Blackbutt-Benarkin Lions Club. The Alliance also organises a free lunch every Sunday, from 12:30pm to 1:30pm, in O’Neill Square, Kingaroy.
- Related article: Groups Sign Up To Offer Free Meals
