This will allow the Brunswick Neighbourhood House to double the frequency of its community lunches – which provide a free meal to all comers – to every fortnight and secured the future of the program.

“At Brunswick Neighbourhood House, the incredible response to the Good Neighbour campaign has shown once again that the heart of our work lies in the strength and generosity of our community,” said BNH chair Tracie Andrews.

“Our community lunches have always been about more than sharing a meal. They’re about creating connection and a place to belong.

“This support has arrived at a crucial time, as neighbourhood houses across Victoria face growing uncertainty (due to ongoing reduced government funding) despite the essential role we play in building inclusive, connected, and resilient communities.

“As well as this, there’s a growing need for food relief in the community due to the cost-of-living crisis.”

The Brunswick Neighbourhood House community lunch is an open invitation to come along and eat for free in a relaxed, sociable atmosphere.

For some, this is an opportunity to connect and socialise with their neighbours. For others it is a much-needed addition to the monthly food budget.

As an open-door offer, the Community Lunch is frequented by regulars and spontaneous guests who see the sign in Warr Park and pop in to eat. On any given day the lunch can feed 30 to 60 people.

This year it will run on the second and fourth Thursday of every month.

The event is supported by a partnership with Open Table and Second Bite who provide rescued food ingredients. Volunteers pick-up the donations and sort the ingredients while a head cheft plans a nutritious vegetarian meal and directs up to 25 cooking students in its preparation.

Excess donations are packaged up for distribution after every meal so that those who want to can take cans, fresh produce and long-life items home with them.

Financial donations to Good Neighbour appeal can continue to be made online.