Chop & Chat celebrates contribution to community

CHOP & CHAT a community activity facilitated by the St John’s Anglican Church and the wider community, recently celebrated its second anniversary with an afternoon tea at the St John’s Hall for its volunteers and supporters. The 40 strong volunteer group is a key contributor to the food bank distributed by the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry under the administration of the Mansfield Christian Fellowship. Chop & Chat contributes approximately 30 per cent of all the food distributed by the food bank with the remainder provided by many generous donors amongst Mansfield’s food and hospitality sector. Speaking at the celebration about the work of Chop & Chat, Mansfield Respond Project Coordinator, Lucy Marks, highlighted that in the past two years, its volunteers had cooked 4204 meals from 28 different recipes to support the food pantry. "Nutritious (and delicious) meals are being made available to those who perhaps have not had access to them in the past," said Lucy. "We have an excellent relationship with Simon, Graeme and Michael from the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, and have seen a growing awareness of the necessity for groups such as Chop & Chat in our district in recent years." In his response to those gathered, the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry’s Simon Goodluck sang the praises of the Chop & Chat volunteers. "You are an absolute blessing to lots of people ‘doing it tough’ around the district as they receive much needed support," he said. Simon highlighted that around 70 to 80 people per week benefit from meals from the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry; 80 per cent of the recipients are families. "The number of people receiving meals has increased markedly from 40 to 50 people per week over the last 12 months," said Simon. "These people come from all walks of life." Closely identifying with the experiences of those ‘doing it tough’, Simon spoke of his own life challenges before he received help from Mansfield Christian Fellowship. He was pleased to acknowledge to those assembled at the celebration that many of those who receive support from the food pantry give back when they are able. "This is one of the most positive aspects of the program," he said. In her remarks at the celebration, Chop & Chat chief convenor Pamela Dalgliesh expressed gratitude for the substantial financial support from key donors, the Community Bank Mansfield & District (Bendigo Bank) and the Rotary Club Mansfield. Staff members from the bank regularly join the Chop & Chat volunteers to prepare meals. Pamela acknowledged the work of all the Chop & Chat volunteers and in particular the work of leaders Leanne Robson, Trish Gilson, Kaylene Alexander and Leanne Allen who undertake all the shopping and recipe testing. The group also recognised the great energy and humour of the late Sue Gardner who is much missed. Pamela emphasised that the Chop & Chat volunteers are pleased to support the community and she is very grateful for everyone’s contribution of time. "I love meeting the volunteers and working with them," she said. "Each person has their own strengths and passion." Underpinning the ethos of groups such as Chop & Chat are the health benefits of enjoying the companionship of others whilst knowing one is making a vital contribution to the wellbeing of the community.