Free community meals
Click here to view a map of where all the meals are.
Neighbourhood houses
Brunswick Neighbourhood House, at 43A De Carle Street, Brunswick, have a vegetarian community lunch on the 2nd Thursday of every month (except January), starting midday. “This event is for everyone, from those who don’t have much to those who have plenty. It’s a celebration aimed at connecting diverse people in the area of Brunswick.“
Hawthorn Community House, at 32 Henry Street, Hawthorn, have a community lunch every Wednesday (during school terms only), starting 12.15pm. “Our weekly drop in lunch provides an opportunity for people to come together to share a delicious lunch, discussions, games, reading, iPads and music.“
Lilydale Community House, at 7 Hardy Street, Lilydale, have a community lunch every Monday (during school terms only), starting midday.
Reservoir Neighbourhood House, at 2B Cuthbert Road, Reservoir, have a community lunch every Thursday (during school terms only), starting midday. “‘Jen the chef’ makes some beautiful meals which always includes a main and dessert. Why not come down and join in, eat something beautiful and have a chat with some new friends.“
Reynard Street Neighbourhood House (Coburg), at 104a Reynard Street, Coburg, have a community lunch every Friday (during school terms only), starting 12.30pm. “We use rescued and surplus food to make a delicious and healthy feast for everyone to enjoy. This is a great way to get to connect with other members of your local community.“
Rosanna Fire Station Community House, at 232 Lower Plenty Road, Rosanna, have a community lunch on the first Wednesday of every month (during school terms only), starting 12.15pm. For catering purposes, bookings are essential (phone 9458 1935).
Span Community House (Thornbury), at 64 Clyde Street, Thornbury, have a community lunch on the 2nd Wednesday of every month, starting 12.30pm. “A two course home cooked meal is shared in our dining room with other friendly community members. Come along for company, conversation and support. A great opportunity to find out what’s available in your neighbourhood.“
Church-affiliated
All Saints Anglican Church (Greensborough), at 14 Church Street, Greensborough, have a community lunch on the 3rd Wednesday of every month, starting midday. “Whether you’re a local worker, live locally, are a church member or just looking for a place to have a meal – we welcome you to our monthly community meal. Our desire is to create a safe space for all people to connect, be encouraged and feel cared for as a valued member of our local community.“
All Saints Anglican Church (Preston), at 239A Murray Road, Preston, have a community lunch every Saturday, starting 12.30pm. “Lunch is usually provided to at least 70 people who enjoy a beautiful lunch with the companionship of others.“
Brunswick Uniting Church, at 212-214 Sydney Road, Brunswick, have a community lunch every Tuesday, starting midday, where the cook provides a home style, two course meal.
Croydon North Uniting Church, 387A Maroondah Hwy, Croydon North, have a community lunch sit down or takeaway every Tuesday, starting midday.
FoodStop, Discovery Community Care (Lilydale) have a community dinner every Thursday, starting at 7pm. During Winter (Apr-Sep), it is at The Mustard Tree, 3/28 John Street. During Summer (Oct-Mar), it is at Lilydale Recreational Park. “FoodStop creates a safe and positive environment for those needing a meal and/or social interaction.“
Hope Cafe at St Mark’s Catholic Church (Fawkner), 9 Lee Street, Fawkner, have a community dinner every Thursday, starting at 5.30pm. As they say, “We provide a safe, welcoming space where food is eaten and friendships are made.“
Mill Park Baptist Church at ‘The Shak’, 11 Mill Park Drive, Mill Park, have a community lunch every Saturday, starting at 1pm. “Come and enjoy a meal with us! Welcoming the homeless, people with dependencies, struggling families, asylum seekers, refugees, people with disabilities and anyone who just wants a good meal and a chat!“
Mooroolbark People’s Pantry at St. Margaret’s Uniting Church, 207-219 Hull Road, Mooroolbark have a community dinner fortnightly on Fridays, starting at 6pm. “A warm welcome, meal and opportunity to connect with other seniors or those who live alone in the Mooroolbark area.“
Southern Cross Church (Eltham), in partnership with The SALT Foundation, have a community dinner on the last Friday of each month, starting at 5.30pm at the local Senior Citizens Centre in Library Place.
St John the Divine Anglican Church (Croydon), at 5 Toorak Avenue, Croydon, have a community meal every Tuesday, arriving from 5pm to start at 5.30pm and Wednesday, starting at 5.15pm.
Other
ADRA Community Care Croydon, at 17-19 Surrey Road West, Croydon, provides a community dinner every Thursday, 4.30-6pm. “Volunteers serve a nutritious, three-course meal to disadvantaged and socially isolated people in Melbourne.“
Food Not Bombs Melbourne is part of a worldwide movement that cooks and distributes vegan food to anyone and everyone, without restriction. It gathers leftover fruit and vegetables from Queen Victoria Market and elsewhere, gives some to worthy causes, then cooks up the rest and serves it on the streets of Melbourne.
- Coburg, Catalyst Social Centre, 146 Sydney Road, every Wednesday, starting at 7pm.
- Richmond, corner of Butler Street & Lennox Street, every Tuesday, starting at 7.15pm.
Mitcham Community Meal, at 18 Edward Street, Mitcham, provides a community dinner every Sunday, starting at 6pm. “Each Sunday night, a different local club, business, or church group provides and serves a meal to people in the Mitcham community.“
Montrose Community Cupboard, at Montrose Public Hall, 1B Leith Road, Montrose, provides a community dinner on the 4th Sunday of most months, starting at 6pm. “Everyone is welcome, as are donations of non-perishable food.“
Open House, at 67-71 Strathallan Road, Macleod, provides a community lunch every Thursday, starting midday. “Drop by on Thursdays afternoons for meaningful conversations, friendship, and a hot meal.“
Open Table “take surplus food that would otherwise be thrown away, and turn it into nutritious meals to share with the community, in order to reduce food insecurity and food waste“. They organise a number of community lunches each month in various places (there are some months when some of the meals don’t happen so check their website calendar before going):
- Carlton, Kathleen Syme Library and Community Centre, 251 Faraday Street, 3rd Saturday of the month, starting at 1pm.
- Fitzroy North, Bargoonga Nganjin, North Fitzroy Library, 82-186 St Georges Road, every Saturday, starting at 1pm.
Winter Shelter, at 143 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood, provides a community dinner every Friday, 12.30-1.30pm.
I wish there was services listed for the Dandenong area where we are struggling
Hi Teana,
Sorry, but this website is a solo operation and there is only so much that I can do. Even North East Melbourne is arguably too big an area for the website to focus on.
Thank you for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Looking for places to eat near Springvale or near enough to their 3171 near public transport near train station or can catch bus too.
Tony’s cafe, The Waratah Room next to St. Anthony’s Hall, Corner Grange and Neerim Roads, Glen Huntly 3163.
Thursday dinner, 3 course meal, 5pm to 7pm. February to December. 9569 2099.
Are you going to have Christmas lunch?
The Mitchell Church has stopped its Sunday night meal. St Anthony also no longer has meals on Tuesdays for pick up.