THE Bathurst Community Op Shop plans to extend its support to the city's homeless people by providing free meals.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Starting from Tuesday, a food van will be parked in the grounds of the op shop to provide dinner to people in need two nights a week.
Deputy mayor Bobby Bourke, who is heavily involved in the running of the op shop, said it was an idea that was talked about around a year ago that had finally come to fruition.
"Bathurst Building Maintenance have lent us a food van to fill a gap for the homeless," he said.
"The community op shop is going to provide meals throughout the week on a Tuesday and Thursday, between 5pm and 7pm."
The ingredients used to make meals will largely come from Bathurst's community garden, however the initiative is also being supported by Coles and Harris Farm Markets.
Sister Michelle Farrugia and others from the Sisters of Mercy will be serving the meals, as well as coffee.
"It was an idea of Sister Michelle and Radwan [Jubarah] approached me over 12 months ago about it. I've just got around to finding a spot," Cr Bourke said.
READ ALSO: Radwan continues love affair with food
He said the op shop was a good place to have the food van because it already supports people down on their luck and it is close to the Denison Bridge, a location favoured by the homeless.
The meals will only be basic, but they are going to be very filling and will be provided free of charge.
Cr Bourke said that, if the food van proves successful, the op shop will look to open it on more days.
