Tara Murray
Infinity Church Community Meals Kitchen couldn’t have a party to celebrate 10 years of helping the community, but it’s hoping to have one down the track.
Like many other businesses and volunteer services, the South Morang community kitchen has been affected by the coronavirus lockdown and had to transition into delivering meals.
The kitchen, which hosts a weekly Tuesday meal, was the brainchild of Alex Fabiani, who still runs it all these years later.
Fabiani, a former drug addict, said he felt that this was what he was meant to do.
He said the weekly catch-ups were more than just supplying meals.
“We were probably making 120-130 meals a week and then we would have a big Christmas and give our hampers and toys.
“It’s been a long time and I wouldn’t have thought we’d still be doing it 10 years later.
“It’s not only about the food, but the social interaction is big. It becomes a family over the years.
“It gives something for people to look forward to and I’m getting phone calls every week asking when we’re opening back up.”
Fabiani said the kitchen had made more than 50,000 meals over the time.
The group has taken to making food hampers during lockdown to still help those in need and are delivering to 70 families a week.
Infinity Church Pastor Craig Anderson said it had been a wonderful 10 years for the community kitchen.
He said once restrictions were lifted, the group would try and get the community kitchen back to normal.
“We’ve helped so many different kinds of people. Different backgrounds, elderly, disabled, people with mental health concerns, refugees and carers.
“It’s not just about healthy meals. Sometimes they spent two to three hours there.”
