Community Volunteers Cook 300 Kilos of Food to Support Local Meal Program

Mrs Spark and her husband began donating leftover food to Midland Meals three years ago, which led to a growing relationship with Pastor Loren Pratt, who cooked at the organization. This connection eventually inspired the launch of the “cook for a cause” program, which started last year as a way for the church to provide meals for the homeless.

The initiative saw volunteers from the community and churches come together to prepare about 300 kilos of food during the long weekend. Some volunteers went beyond expectations, cooking more than 10 dishes with the ingredients they collected. They took the ingredients home, cooked them, and returned the next day to deliver the meals.

This year’s effort marked a significant increase compared to last year, when approximately 85 trays and 185 kilos of food were prepared. Mrs Spark noted that the program had evolved, with half of the volunteers this year coming from the broader community. She described the community participants as “just awesome,” highlighting the positive impact of their involvement.

Volunteer Terangi Berryman shared that her and her daughters found great joy in participating. Cooking together in their home not only brought them happiness but also strengthened their bond. They enjoyed the camaraderie and laughter that accompanied the work, which created a sense of love and unity among the volunteers.

Despite limited advertising for the event, Mrs Spark was not surprised by the high turnout. She pointed to the rising cost of living, including skyrocketing rents and mortgages, as a key factor. These challenges, she said, have placed a heavy burden on individuals and families, leaving charitable organizations like Midland Meals to fill the gaps where government support has fallen short.

Mrs Spark emphasized the need for more systemic action to address the cost of living crisis. She expressed concern that the government is not prioritizing the needs of its people, forcing charitable groups to step in and provide essential support. The emotional impact of the work was evident in the gratitude of those receiving the meals, with one person expressing surprise and joy at receiving a simple slice of pumpkin after a long time without such a treat.

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