Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I cook for The Dish?

  • Main meals: Nourishing meals with protein and fresh vegetables are most helpful. Side salads are appreciated in warmer months, and soups in cooler months. Please DO NOT use alcohol in your cooking.

  • Desserts: Fresh fruit and fruit-based desserts are always popular.

  • Bread: No need to provide bread — we receive donations from local bakeries.

What is an easy way for my group to cook 40 meals?

  • Share the work: Allocate meal preparation across a range of people to manage costs and effort.

  • Mix it up: A variety of meal types is welcome — they don’t all need to be the same.

  • Central drop-off: Meals can be dropped at a central location and collected by your group leader to bring to The Dish, especially if different people are cooking and serving.

What containers should we use?

  •  Each meal should be in a 650 ml takeaway container (available at Coles, Woolworths, IGA, or similar stores).
  • Groups are also welcome to bring meals in bulk and serve on plates if they prefer. Please note that this will require washing up afterwards, so it’s up to each group to decide which option works best for them.

Can my child volunteer with The Dish?

  • Children need to be 16 years old or above to volunteer, by prior arrangement with The Dish’s Operations Coordinator.

  • Younger children completing the Duke of Edinburgh Award are welcome to participate by preparing meals and delivering them.  Contact us to arrange.

How can I help with the Community Food Program?

There are a few ways to get involved:

  • Sorting and packing: Volunteers meet on Mondays to sort food collected from supermarkets and repack it into hampers for families who have registered for assistance.

  • Delivering hampers: Some hampers are delivered to families in the local area.

  • Donating fresh produce: You can donate fresh fruit and vegetables on Mondays by dropping them off at 207 Peats Ferry Rd, Hornsby, after 9:30 am.

Are there other ways to volunteer with The Dish?

Yes! There are always opportunities to support The Dish in different ways. Please contact our Operations Coordinator to discuss what volunteer roles are currently available.