FareShare kitchen construction well underway.

Foodbank CEO, Michael Rose, recently caught up with Kellie Watson GM for FareShare Queensland on site to discuss progress in relation to the Brisbane kitchen, a collaboration between Foodbank and FareShare.

“The site has been a hive of activity, hard hats and hi-vis as we affix air conditioning and plant equipment that we are re-using to the rafters, cut drainage into the slab and build columns to support our solar system. Electricians, plumbers and concreters are on site working alongside refrigeration technicians and structural engineers. It’s a tricky process and FareShare are glad to have Wiley and Co on board to drive and oversee the construction,” said Kellie.

All of the kitchen’s equipment has arrived in Australia. FareShare has ordered the specialist, high-volume equipment from Finland, Germany, Italy, England and Sydney which includes two customised 300 litre mixing kettles. These giant electric pots will enable FareShare to efficiently create nutritious, balanced meals from surplus food rescued from Foodbank’s generous food donors.

“The menu will change every day depending on available ingredients. In the morning we could be cooking chicken tikka curry with vegetables and in the afternoon cottage pie with sweet potato mash. A pump fill station will pump meals in portion sizes from the mixing kettles into vacuum bags for distribution to people in need,” said Kellie.

“We are working closely with Foodbank to develop supply and logistics plans and if initial discussions are anything to go by, we will need recipes that utilise sweet potatoes, tomatoes and chicken to start with!” said Kellie.

Michael Rose, Foodbank CEO said,“Foodbank is really excited to be working with FareShare in Queensland and look forward to getting the first of a planned one million meals cooked to distribute to those in need.”

For Foodbank, the kitchen provides the ability to deal with large and perishable food donations in a short time frame. All meals will be frozen making them cost-effective to transport, even to regional locations throughout the state, and simple for end users to store and consume.

This initiative requires additional funding to ensure a regular supply of food. If you would like to donate to help provide healthy and nutritious meals for vulnerable families, please donate here. For more information, or if you would like to support the ongoing efforts please contact our friendly staff.