Young people experiencing financial disadvantage will be able to enjoy a meal in a cafe and feel part of the community through boosted funding for an innovative support program.
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Uniting program Meals for Change received $3000 in the latest round of Victorian government food relief funding.
It is about creating hope and self belief.
- Jen Pollard, Meals for Change
Meals for Change coordinator Jen Pollard said the program's 86 members will be gifted hampers this Christmas that include vouchers to eight participating Ballarat cafes and a takeaway Christmas lunch.
"Over the festive season people can enjoy a meal out in Ballarat just like you and I do," she said.
"There are people who are members who never thought they would need to be asking for a meal.
"To sit in a cafe and be treated like anyone else, with dignity, respect and interest makes such a difference in a young person who is vulnerable and anxious.
"Engaging with other people in the community can change how they are feeling that day.
"It is about creating hope and self belief."
Ms Pollard said Meals for Change was about more than food relief, but also connection to community and inclusion.
"Members feel welcome and safe when they come into our cafes. They know people have their back," she said.
Meals for Change received a $7400 grant earlier in the year in round one of the grants program.
The program offers subsidised cafe meals to young people year round, with members paying $3 towards the cost of up to a $15 meal and the program reimburses cafes the balance.
Members were able to access takeaway meals throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
Meals for Change is part of Ballarat's Food Access network, connecting 22 organisations that deliver food relief around the region.
Ballarat Community Health health promotion coordinator Melissa Farrington has helped lead the network and write grants for organisations.
The Food Access Network has secured $117,000 in Victorian government food relief funding through those grants.
RELATED COVERAGE: Uniting's Meals For Change is turning around young lives
Buninyong MP Michaela Settle said it was amazing how well Ballarat organisations worked together.
Ms Farrington said organisations were seeing people seeking food relief who were not usual clients.
She said there were more women, families, young people and international students seeking support.
"Programs like Meals for Change make it more dignified to be able to seek food relief," she said.
Ms Pollard told the story of one young man in the Meals for Change program who is now working part time.
He said he attributed a lot of the confidence he has gained to feeling he was part of a community through Meals for Change.
Black Sheep on Sturt cafe owner Amanda Morrish said everyone was welcome in her cafe and she was happy to be involved in the Meals for Change program.
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Rochelle Kirkham
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
