A community project offering inexpensive healthy meals in the Upper Yarra is one of 22 recipients that has been funded as part of the Yarra Ranges Partnership Program.
Committee president and volunteer, Suyin Chan, said the project helps reduce social isolation by giving vulnerable community members a regular place to go with friendly volunteers and atmosphere, and nutritious meals.
“We are open on Thursday nights to the community and are a ‘pay as you feel’ restaurant. Anyone can come, have a meal, pay what they can afford or what they think it is worth,” she said.
For 13 years Koha Community Café in Warburton has been helping the Upper Yarra community to access healthy meals.
“The cafe has no menu prices and it’s open to everybody – the community can come together, dine together and share. ”
As part of this year’s Partnership Program the volunteer-run community cafe has received multi-year funding ensuring that they can continue their mission to facilitate social connection and support health and wellbeing in their community.
Ms Chan said that there is a strong demand from locals needing meals and expressed her gratitude for the support provided by Council:
“It’s very important and we’re grateful that Council is supporting groups like ours because we are addressing a need in the community and we wouldn’t be able to do it otherwise,” she said.
“In contrast to the constant scramble to find grants every year the Partnership Grant is four years and we know we have that financial support for that duration. I think it’s good that Council does support community groups like ours as we’re addressing a need in our community.”
Yarra Ranges Council Mayor and O’Shannassy Ward Cr, Jim Child said he commended the work Koha Community Café do in their community.
“The work of cooking healthy and nutritious food is creating a healthy community and providing a space where the community can come and share food and conversation without judgement.”
