genU processing food with a laugh

A DEDICATED team of 45 food preparation workers in Geelong has become a driving force in helping local businesses get back to pre-COVID normals.

The team at genU’s food processing unit, which includes two-thirds of genU supported crew members, are chopping, slicing, dicing, shredding, picking, and washing tonnes of food each week for businesses across the reigion.

The unit operates a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) approved system out of its Geelong kitchen where local businesses can access food produce ready to be cooked.

“To give you a couple of ideas, we prepare about three tonne of pumpkins per week, about four tonne of potato per week and about 300 cauliflower heads a week, so yeah it keeps us busy to say the least,” genU food services manager Peter Helyer said.

genU’s food processing unit, which has been running for 8 years, caters and delivers to about 30 local businesses across the Surf Coast, Bellarine and Geelong regions daily.

Businesses range from cafes to restaurants to aged care centres and hospitals.

Meaningful employment to people living with a disability is one of the many benefits the unit provides.

“Given we are becoming more and more busy, we are about to start opening up more opportunities for people living with disabilities to join the team to keep up with demand,” Mr Helyer said.

“There’s a lot of camaraderie and support within our unit and there is always a laugh going, we’re always having a good time.

“The workers definitely work hard and enjoy themselves in that department.”

If there are any local businesses that would like to employ the services of genU’s food processing unit or to see a full product list, email the team at [email protected].