Two inner city businesses have been selected by the City of Perth to be involved in an important food delivery initiative – Doorstep Dinners.

Initiated by St Patrick’s Community Support Centre with support from the Minderoo Foundation and McCusker Foundation following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the project supports local businesses by purchasing a daily evening meal from inner city restaurants.

A team of volunteers then deliver the meals to those in need via the Doorstep Dinners volunteer workforce.

Following a successful first phase in Fremantle in April, St Patrick’s Community Support Centre has joined with Uniting WA, with ongoing support from Minderoo Foundation and McCusker Foundation, to launch phase two of the project in the inner-city area.

Degani Kings Square and Innovations Catering in West Leederville were chosen via a City of Perth assessment panel to be involved in the initiative.

“We were looking for locally-owned businesses and the use of local suppliers for sourcing high-quality, fresh produce,” Chair Commissioner Andrew Hammond said.

“Each business will work to help create 50 meals per day across Perth areas for a period of three months, supporting vulnerable people with a high risk of food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
 
Degani Kings Square Owner Pedro Barbosa said his team worked with not-for-profit organisations such as Rotary WA and Street Smart to assist the most vulnerable people in the Perth community.

“Knowing and understanding how so many vulnerable Australians are finding it tough to survive on a day-to-day basis, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, we felt it would be a rewarding experience for our business to participate in a project such as the Doorstep Dinners initiative,” Mr Barbosa said.

Uniting Chief Executive Officer Amanda Hunt said Doorstep Dinners phase two introduced dedicated triage, assessment and support services to assist people in building resilience and independence in a post-COVID world.
 
“The crisis has put a spotlight on individual and community wellbeing, and has highlighted the need for connecting with and supporting people who are socially isolated,” Ms Hunt said.
 
“It’s a demonstration of partnership and true community compassion, while also supporting local businesses who have had a tough few months.”

St Patrick’s Community Support Centre Chief Executive Officer Michael Piu said Doorstep Dinners was a wonderful representation of a community pulling together.

 “The crisis has exposed the fragility of our personal and financial wellbeing, and solidified the notion that poverty and homelessness are not the result of personal fault or failing,” he said.

Issued by: Brooke Hunter, Strategic Communications Advisor, 0448 610 834 and 08 9461 3425 (includes after hours) brooke.hunter@cityofperth.wa.gov.au