Sebastian Walsh, Joshua Chalmers, Joel Christensen, Patrick Guthridge and WenYuan LimSchneider recently worked at the kitchen in Victoria Street under the supervision St Clare's staff and kitchen volunteers.

Taree Community Kitchen volunteer, Carol Healey said "their enthusiastic natures and caring concern made all the clients feel welcome and at ease."

Taree Community Kitchen provides assistance to vulnerable members of the Taree and Manning community regardless of their age, gender, physical and intellectual capacity, religion or ethnicity, according to CatholicCare Hunter-Manning.

It currently serves free meals five days a week, Monday to Friday, between noon and 1pm, and on average, about 21 meals are served each day of operation, but the kitchen offers far more than food.

"With the assistance of volunteers, CatholicCare has created a space where people can feel safe and enjoy the company of others. The kitchen is a potential outreach opportunity for disadvantaged people to access other services via information and referral," a spokesperson said.

The kitchen is non-government funded and primarily relies on the generosity of the Taree community, volunteers and donors to provide this service. Some of the kitchen's major sponsors include Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation, Coles - SecondBite Community Connect Program, Mayo Private Hospital, MidCoast Council, Taree West Plaza Butchery, Lambert's Butchery, Eddie's Fresh Chicken, Bakers Delight, McGrath Butchers and Solomon's Fruit & Vegetables.

"The kitchen always welcomes additional support. To register your interest in becoming a volunteer or donor to the Taree Community Kitchen please contact CatholicCare on 6539 5900."

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