Around the world on a plate

EACH month a group of people from Meredith take a trip around the world but without leaving town!

The journeys are held at the Meredith Community Centre where the community lunch program treats 20 locals to a particular international cuisine over two courses.

Centre manager Leah Phillips said the first lunch was held in February, and attendees have since travelled to Spain, Thailand, Greece, and Italy with their tastebuds.

“The community lunches have been a great success. We decorate the room in the colours of the flag of the country,” she said.

“We have seen an increase in participation from some of our community members who would normally not venture out.

“It brings people in the community together, mixing with neighbours and other Community Centre users who they would normally not share a meal with.”

In September, the Community Centre is set to host children from the local kinder at the lunch.

Each child has also been encouraged to invite a special person in their life to come along and enjoy the meal with them.

“The children will be asked to dress in their favourite country flag colour. They will also provide some of the decorations with their artwork on display in the room,” Ms Phillips said.

The Centre received 12-months’ worth of funding support in 2021 from the Moorabool Wind Farm to run the lunches, but aims to continue delivering the program beyond the first year.

“We would like to allow more cross generational interaction with the school, and bring the children in to assist us with preparation and serving in the future,” Ms Phillips said.

“We are currently seeking grants to accommodate this.”

In the meantime, the centre asks for a small donation of $5 from attendees, which will contribute to the installation of a dishwasher in the kitchen, and boost the organisation’s Christmas tree giving hamper project.