THE Sunset Community Kitchen in Mount Gambier is recording a surge in people lining up for meals, which is believed to be driven by high utility bills and unemployment.
Nestled at the Frew Park Centre, dozens of volunteers serve more than 100 meals every week to disadvantaged people struggling to buy food.
Dedicated volunteers have revealed there were often lengthy queues at the front door.
The charity kitchen – which has been operating for seven years – has claimed the increase in demand is a “sign of the times” given the rising cost of living.
“Power bills are making it harder and harder for people and water bills are going up,” Sunset Community Kitchen spokesperson Maxine Maney said.
Unfortunately, she said many people on low incomes were forced to run expensive electric heaters due to no efficient heating in their homes.
Ms Maney said people seeking assistance were appreciative.
“Many people say they come because it was a social outlet and a couple a meals a week really helps them to make ends meet,” she said.
“One young man – who is only employed for 15 hours a week – recently told me he was really hungry, he had not eaten all day and only had three cups of coffee.
“This is a reality in our city – people do not realise the need in our community.”
Praising businesses for donating goods on a regular basis, she said the kitchen was always seeking donations.
“We have running costs, we have to pay for our electricity. We have four fridges in our backroom,” the veteran volunteer said.
“We would not be able to operate if we did not have the support of regional food businesses.”
Ms Maney revealed bakeries and eateries often donated food they did not sell that day and the organisation received help from Mount Gambier Regional Foodbank and Gambier City Lions Club.
Ms Maney praised the Mount Gambier Racing Club for its generous $2300 donation that would deliver a huge boost and go a long way to purchasing food.
The money was raised via the cocktail party held in the lead-up to the Scott Group of Companies Mount Gambier Gold Cup.
Mount Gambier Racing Club general manager Brett Watson said the organisation was proud to donate funds to the Sunset Community Kitchen.
He said money gifted to the organisation was raised via the cocktail party, which was organised by a small group of volunteers.
“This group is separate to the racing club and meets every week leading up to the Scott Group of Companies Mount Gambier Gold Cup carnival cocktail party,” Mr Watson said.
“The club is passionate about giving something back to the community – this is what we are all about, it is not just about racing.
“The community supports us and we feel we should give something back.”
Mr Watson thanked wine companies Redman Wines and d’Arenberg for donating wine for the auction, as well as headwear designer Ashlee Lauren, who gifted a headpiece.
The cocktail party in the lead-up to the May gold cup carnival also raised $1200 for the community kitchen.
