Associate Principal, Operations Report

Seeking Volunteers

Hamilton Uniting Church has a TUESDAY MEAL program running from their Lonsdale Street premises serving a 2 course meal for those who need some social and practical support to get by each week.  The meal is served every Tuesday with doors open from 12noon – 1.30pm.  Donations from participants are welcome.

Volunteers with some good basic cooking skills are needed to prepare nutritious, old fashioned ‘like Grandma used to make’ main and sweets courses.   Teams of four people are rostered to be on site from 11am – 1.30pm.  Duties include cooking a main and sweets dish for 20-30 people, heat or finish cooking on site, serve and clean up.  The Meal always includes fresh bread and fruit in addition to the 2 courses. The teams are supported during School Terms by 2-3 students from The Hamilton & Alexandra College who volunteer their time to serve meals and assist with clearing after the meal.

The Tuesday Meal program has a Volunteer Co-ordinator who organises the roster, which has people taking their turn once every 6-8 weeks.  The Volunteer Cooks are recompensed for all expenses incurred in the purchase and provision ingredients.   The Co-ordinator can provide Volunteer Cooks with tips on most popular meals and quantities needed.  The Co-ordinator is also responsible to ensure that all volunteers are aware of OH&S standards in relation to food handling, general safety in the kitchen and in providing support as needed for all volunteers in accordance with Uniting Church policies and standards.  The program has the services of the church’s Community Worker, Peter Roberts, who is present at each Meal to assist as needed and to ensure any persons in need have access to appropriate support.  

Tuesday Meals are supported by donations from Taylor Motors and Country French Hot Bread.

Do you have a passion for preparing basic, economical, nutritious meals? 

Do you have an interest in programs that benefit your community?

Would you like to know more?   Please phone either Helen Diprose 0409 741 225 or Gillian Jenkins 0409 162 910. 

Thank you to the members of Young House who have assisted with the Tuesday Meal already this year – and to other members of the House who have assisted at other Uniting Church activities, such as the Disability Social, during the year so far.

Neil MacLean