A community cooking program aimed at men, new parents and isolated young people is among 72 grassroots organisations sharing in $550,000 funding from the South Australian Government.
Community Health Onkaparinga is offering cooking, meal prep and budget shopping programs in its new Cooking and Connecting initiative for groups including parents with young children, older men and people living alone.
The initiative, which has received a $10,000 grant, primarily seeks to improve southern residents’ sense of belonging in their local community, which like most regions, is still feeling the impacts of the social isolation created by COVID-19.
“Food is a powerful way to create a strong sense of cohesiveness and belonging. We are so excited to receive this funding for our Cooking and Connecting group cooking programs. Each of our groups will cook and share meals with invited guests from the community, chosen to build stronger connections,” says Elizabeth Becker of Community Health Onkaparinga.
“Sharing food breaks down barriers and helps people feel included and welcome. It also provides a means of generating conversation and a sense of belonging for people, especially when they might be having a tough time.
Not only will Cooking and Connecting create new networks among southern suburbs residents, those taking part will also learn about nutrition, meal planning and smart shopping on a budget.
Other community organisations sharing in funding include:
- Surf Life Saving South Australia Inc for a program that helps Ukrainian new arrivals settle in SA through an Aquatics program ($10,000).
- Community House Port Lincoln Inc for an upgrade of computer equipment so older community members can be active online ($10,000).
- Macclesfield Community Association for an accessible path and sensory trail at Crystal Lake Park ($10,000).
- Disability Rights Advocacy Service Inc for tele-advocacy services to disadvantaged and vulnerable South Australians living in remote areas ($10,000).
Other projects include creating barbecue spaces for community meeting places, upgrading community kitchens or gardens, fitting air conditioners in club halls, building friendly spaces for isolated groups, and putting on programs that help communities learn new skills or be supported by peers.
More than half of recipient organisations are from regional South Australia or are implementing projects to benefit people in the regions.
“This funding is all about reducing social isolation and enhancing community connection. Community connection is more vital than ever and is something I care about deeply. The work of organisations like Community Health Onkaparinga are really important in bringing people together, and helping to achieve objectives like increasing participation, engagement and belonging,” says Minister for Human Services Nat Cook.
“Supporting communities and activities within them to include, welcome and connect people, and enable people to participate, gives people a wonderful sense of belonging to a community family. This funding will ensure community organisations, programs and groups can do just that,” says Minister for Recreation and Sport Katrine Hildyard.
A full list of recipients is available on the Grants SA website.
