Feed The Streets

We launched our Feed the Streets (FTS) community dinner July 2017 in response to a number of people sleeping rough or begging in and around Avondale town centre. After one of our young streeties told us a good feed would help him get through the night sleeping at the racecourse, we were inspired to rally our community and set up a free fortnightly dinner. Today, our guests are typically a mix of beneficiaries, pensioners, boarding house residents and homeless people. In April 2021, FTS became a weekly meal.

Most dinners and desserts are made from rescued food, supplemented by donated kai from our generous community, including businesses. There are often clothes, books and other items offered as koha to guests as well. Occasionally, we have people come in to cut hair, pamper, perform or contribute in other ways. Several faith groups and many individuals have helped out over the years, including our Kaitiaki – a committee of long time volunteers who support our Coordinator to deliver each meal.

Our guests are typically a mix of beneficiaries, pensioners, boarding house residents and homeless people; whether singles, couples or families. The common thread between them is that they are doing it tough financially and/or socially. Many speak of FTS as a warm and non judgemental social space, where their confidence and mana can be restored. Encouragingly, some of our regular guests have gone on to find employment, housing and friendships that continue outside the meal itself.

Rest in peace to the regular guests we’ve lost along the way.

When: Every second Saturday 5.30–7pm | Where: Avondale Community Centre, 99 Rosebank Rd | Who: All welcome, however no drugs or alcohol permitted