Disability support service Vivability is making it possible through its new catering business, VIVA eats.

CEO Nick Packham said the new business will equip clients with the skills and experience they need to work in hospitality, making them more attractive to prospective employers.

"We're interested in employing people with disabilities to work in the hospitality industry, and it's literally made up of people who have been clients of Vivability for some time, have been interested in open employment in that sector," he said.

"Because people typically struggle to get a start in open employment in that sector, we thought if we establish VIVA eats, it would give people some training and experience in hospitality.

"... We think we fill a need in terms of a training option in the hospitality sector, so someone that is actually working in this business could go with a year of experience to another employer."

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Importantly, they will be paid a fair wage.

"We're particularly interested in real employment for people with disabilities at award rates of pay. That's crucial," Mr Packham said.

VIVA eats employees will be catering the Vivability AGM, and other business and groups in the community looking for catering options for their functions are welcome to get in touch.

Vivability is also looking for sponsors to help support the program.

History shows that having the ability to work in their community and be paid to do so does wonderful things for the confidence of people with a disability, along with helping them to be more independent.

Viva Eats aims to give clients that boost to their confidence and self esteem.

In addition to supporting people with a disability, VIVA eats will give back to the community.

"We're conscious that during COVID people have struggled financially, so we're launching, from December 1, and we'll be providing no-cost meals to be distributed from the Kelso Community Hub from that week," Mr Packham said.

"... That will be on a Wednesday evening. We've talked to the other charities in terms of the work they're doing in that space and tried to coordinate an evening that doesn't clash with anyone.

"We're certainly aware of the need [for food]. We feel a social responsibility to address that and we hope VIVA eats will fill that gap."

More information about VIVA eats will become available online as the launch date nears.

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