Making important connections
Connecting older Bayside residents with other locals through cooking and delivering a meal brings great joy and connection.
Our Cooking Connections program is attracting home cooks to regularly prepare one extra serve of their home prepared meal for an older resident experiencing loneliness and social isolation.
Karen, who lives in Brighton with her husband and three teenage daughters has connected with Denise who is in her 90s, since late last year.
Every fortnight, Karen combines her love for cooking and genuine desire to help people by delivering a home cooked meal to Denise.
“I love cooking, I even qualified as a pastry chef a few years ago, and I really wanted to cook beyond the family,” Karen said.
“I feel that by being part of Cooking Connections I can make a small difference to Denise’s day and give back to someone who might not be able to prepare a meal like this for herself.
“This program has allowed me to meet someone I probably wouldn’t have connected with anywhere else, and it’s a truly lovely experience getting to know Denise who has led a wonderful life and has so many interesting memories to share.
“I know she’s grateful for the food, but she enjoys the company, and its humbling to know I can do that for someone.”
Denise is happy with any meal Karen brings around but most especially she loves the soup.
“She is a good cook,” Denise said. “I’m lucky to have her and I enjoy the conversations we have too.”
Cooks and diners are matched according to their location, food preference, general interests, and willingness to stop for a quick chat.
Volunteer home cooks are always needed, and meal delivery can be what works best – weekly, fortnightly, or monthly.
