Feed The Streets (FTS)
I Love Avondale launched their Feed the Streets (FTS) community dinner in July 2017 in response to several people sleeping rough or begging in and around Avondale town centre. After one of their young streeties said ‘a good feed’ would help him get through the night sleeping at the racecourse, I Love Avondale was inspired to rally their community and set up a free fortnightly dinner. Today, guests are typically a mix of beneficiaries, pensioners, boarding house residents and homeless people. In April 2021, FTS became a weekly meal.
Most dinners and desserts are made from rescued food, supplemented by donated kai from the generous community, including businesses. Clothes, books, and other items are often offered as koha to guests as well. Occasionally, people come in to cut hair, pamper, perform, or contribute in different ways. Several faith groups and many individuals have helped out over the years, including I Love Avondale’s Kaitiaki—a committee of long-time volunteers who support our Coordinator in delivering each meal.
Guests are typically a mix of beneficiaries, pensioners, boarding house residents and homeless people; whether singles, couples or families. The common thread between them is that they are doing it tough financially and/or socially. Many speak of FTS as a warm and non-judgmental social space, where their confidence and mana can be restored. Encouragingly, some regular guests have gone on to find employment, housing and friendships that continue outside the FTS project.
When: Every second Saturday 5.30 pm –7 pm | Where: Avondale Community Centre, 99 Rosebank Road | Who: All welcome, however, no drugs or alcohol permitted
