Established by a group of passionate community members in North West Sydney, who had been running other similar organisations for many years, Sunday Street Feed provides hot, home-cooked meals to people in Woolloomooloo, most of whom are homeless and some who are considered vulnerable, at risk, or in need of extra assistance. Sunday Street Feed is a project and beneficiary partner of Eyes Front Li
mited, a charity registered as a Public Benevolent Institution that supports vulnerable people across Sydney in a variety of ways. Eyes Front aims to empower vulnerable populations to survive, thrive and prosper through sharing knowledge, and both peer-to-peer and targeted support. Eyes Front believes complex problems are addressed through visibility, honesty, passion, creative thinking and, the most important thing, collaboration. The organisation is dedicated to empowering each individual to survive, thrive and prosper. Together with a meal, clients receive a bag that includes both sweet and savoury snacks, a drink, a piece of fruit and other helpful items such as breakfast packs or tea/coffee packs. As the name suggests, the food is delivered on a Sunday afternoon having been prepared during the week by a band of dedicated volunteers and community members. Importantly, while the meals and other items are supplied by the community, Sunday Street Feed works in partnership with its clients in Woolloomooloo who are in charge of distributing the meals and food packs to their peers. The team at Sunday Street Feed feel strongly that the clients should be supported and enabled to play an integral role in the “feed” as partners, rather than simply as recipients. Sunday Street Feed welcomes input and donations from a variety of stakeholders within the community and its volunteers all contribute in different ways to ensure the success of every “feed”. Volunteers can play a part by supplying a meal or fresh fruit and vegetables, adding a box of snacks or drinks to their weekly shop, packing bags, sorting and stacking donated items, or being a designated driver to ensure the food arrives on time each Sunday. This grassroots movement started with a mere handful of individuals who were determined to supply a hot meal to the homeless and has now grown into a co-ordinated effort that feeds more than 80 vulnerable members of our community on a weekly basis. In addition to meals and food, Sunday Street Feed partners with other providers to supply clothing, toiletries and other helpful items as needed. As a part of Eyes Front which has DSR status, a tax deductible receipt can be supplied for any food donations over $2. Sunday Street Feed also supports Duke of Edinburgh and school volunteers to complete their community service hours. Volunteers are welcome to contribute in a number of ways but the most important part of the process is a visit to the “feed” on a Sunday. Our volunteers have the opportunity to meet and talk with clients, interact within the community, and play a role in supporting the distribution of food. Sunday Street Feed recognises that the homeless or more needy within our community are often faceless and voiceless, and regularly misrepresented by media. A visit to the feed is an opportunity for human interaction – for both clients and volunteers – and a chance to dispel many of the myths that surround homelessness. Throughout the year we also run fundraising events, to raise money for important things like ‘heat insulated containers’ and other essentials. Sunday Street Feed cannot exist without a dedicated crew of volunteers and we are always looking for more members to join our community. You don’t need to contribute every week, or every month but if you’d like to contribute something please touch base as there are many ways to play a role in this vital service.
