The Sunset Community Kitchen is busier than it has ever been in its 13-year history due to the rising cost of living which is displacing a large number of Limestone Coast residents.
The Sunset Community Kitchen provides hot takeaway meals for those in need Monday and Wednesday at the John Frew Centre from 6-6.30pm.
In a bid to expand services to the community, the Salvation Army Thrift Shop Mount Gambier started a new initiative last week and will be providing soup every Friday evening during winter.
The Sunset Community Kitchen used to average 45-50 meals a night but are now supplying up to 70 meals some evenings.
President Maree Thompson said they were attracting a different demographic of people, with more youth and families relying on the service.
“Most of the people we are helping are working but have been affected by the skyrocketing daily costs including power, fuel and food,” she said.
“We are hearing there is a lot more people living on the streets, and I think it is because hardships have piled up, coupled with increasing costs and it has just got too difficult for a lot of people.
“There are a lot of people really struggling at the moment and I do not see it getting better in the short term.
“We just have to keep on doing what we are doing because I think we are needed now more than ever.”
For anyone who wants to help with this initiative, monetary donations are much appreciated and Sunset Community Kitchen can be contacted through their Facebook page.
