Taree Community Kitchen volunteer Ruth Sumpner praises the social benefits the kitchen brings to the Manning community on weekday lunches from noon to 1pm. 

The Catholic Care run kitchen, has recently received a re-vamp, along with an extension of meal days from three days to five. 

This was made possible by a $30,000 grant from the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation. 

Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation chairman Mark Slater said the grant, “recognises the important service Taree Community Kitchen offers, in providing meals to people in a position of disadvantage”. 

To mark the official opening a marquee was erected in Fotheringham Park for a community celebration. 

The ribbon was cut by Mr Slater, federal member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie, Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle Vicar General Fr Brian Mascord and Catholic Care Social Service Hunter-Manning director Helga Smit. 

The community kitchen has been operating in the area for 30 years and in December, Catholic Care took over the management of the kitchen. 

Director Helga Smit said, “anyone of any age is welcome to come for a meal. It’s a safe place where people will listen to you”. 

“We get food donations from fantastic local businesses, which are cooked into healthy, nutritious meals by our volunteers,” she said. 

Helga said, the kitchen is also a soft entrant point for those in need to access formal support services.

Volunteer Ruth Sumpner said, volunteering is her way of “paying it forward” after her life was devastated by a house fire.

“I will never be able to repay the help that was given to me, so now I help others.” 

Helga said, the kitchen is always on the look out for volunteers and donations. 

Those interested can contact Catholic Care in Taree on 6539 5900.