COOKING hearty meals at Shared Table has become easier for volunteers, thanks to the donation of new ovens.

The organisation recently installed its new kitchen appliances which were generously provided by the Rotary Club of Narrabri.

Shared Table operates its community kitchen, including pantry, verandah food and weekly meals, in the Presbyterian Church hall.

Secretary-treasurer and kitchen coordinator Joan Griffiths said they were grateful for Rotary’s contribution.

The appliances were procured locally through Rotarian Tim Logan and his business Bi-Rite Narrabri.

Logan also made a personal contribution to the project.

“Rotary does so much for the Narrabri community,” Griffiths said.

“The club has supported us on numerous occasions.”

Griffiths said the previous ovens were wearing down with time, including a broken door.

This resulted in two people being needed to put in and take out food.

Being unable to source replacement parts also proved problematic.

“This is a big benefit to us,” Griffiths said. “When you haven’t got too many volunteers, it makes a difference.”

On a typical Friday, Shared Table cooks about 50 meals depending on the demand.

About 23 meals are sent to local Aboriginal elders.

While providing people with the option of a hearty meal when grocery prices are becoming more expensive, the service is also a great social outlet.

“There’s no better way than sharing a meal. It’s a shared table,” Griffiths said.

The meals are made from items donated by local supermarkets. Community groups also contribute, including a recent Friday meal of roast beef which had been donated by the Narrabri Show Society.

Shared Table continues to operate its verandah food service during the week, except on public holidays, in addition to its grocery service with people able to get a bag of groceries for $15.

Rotary Club of Narrabri representative Julie Herbert said it was great that the club could assist Shared Table and the important service it provides to the community.

“Shared Table does so much for our community,” Herbert said.

“Every time I go to volunteer, I see how it addresses social isolation and loneliness.”

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