By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS
NO such thing as a free lunch? Every second Wednesday, wife-and-husband team Caleigh and Graham Kennedy open the doors of Cafe Salvo for an all-comers lunch — for absolutely nix.
Somehow, the cosy Noble Park eatery crams in up to 90 diners for a hot feast of curries, roasts, pastas and salad. Some bring a birthday cake, invite their family and make it a real party, Ms Kennedy said.
Goodwill is an essential ingredient to the meals. Some foods, such as salad and cake, are donated. Local school students have pitched in tinned goods, and a nearby accountant does the books for free. Diners are also welcome to donate to the collection tin.
Ms Kennedy said there always seemed to be enough to cover the next meal.
The Kennedys have run the Cafe Salvo for 12 months, launching the Wednesday community lunch several months ago.
“It’s a meeting point not just for people who receive welfare but for all the community,” said Mr Kennedy, a qualified chef. “It’s about the social interaction, people being at home here. It gets people to come in and sit down. I’ve spoken to people just out of prison and can put them through a positive lifestyle program.”
On Sundays, the venue transforms into a “cafe-style church”, with coffee and breakfasts before the service.
It’s also evidently a happy, relaxed place to work. Up to 30 volunteers and work-experience staff — who often stay after work — keep the feasts humming.
A half-full backyard shipping container holds non-perishable foods, frozen meals from FoodBank — a charity food-supplier — and donations.
Ms Kennedy said FoodBank provided up to 50 food parcels a week to families, many struggling to pay bills. It needed more canned goods to keep up with the demand from an alarming queue of needy families.
Volunteer Giorgio Migliaccio sees great potential in the cafe as a community hub. With more funds, it could provide shelter, a shower, laundry and bigger cafe, he said.
To donate tinned food or volunteer, visit Cafe Salvo, 14-16 Buckley Street, Noble Park. Details: 9547 8629.
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