By ALANA MITCHELSON
A REGULAR food truck installation in Bourke Park will launch tonight as the first of many projects to make use of Bourke Park’s new ‘activation zone’.
Coordinated by Pakenham’s Follow Baptist Church, the Blessed Collective food van will be stationed near the gazebo and the pavilion with graffiti from 6pm to 9pm every Tuesday night , commencing 21 June, and Thursday night, providing meals free of charge for the disadvantaged in the community.
Working in collaboration with Cardinia Shire Council, Clean as Casper and Orange Sky, a portable shower will also be provided for the underprivileged, and their clothes will be washed and dried in the back of the truck.
Follow Baptist Church lead pastor Luke Williams said the Salvation Army had offered their venue for food preparation.
“We will provide food, care packs and of course friendship. We are really excited about it,” Mr Williams said.
“We want to help meet genuine community needs by creating a hub where people can have their clothes washed and dried, enjoy a nice warm shower, eat a warm meal and find a place of friendship with non-judgmental conversation.
“As a church, we have a strong desire to bless our local community and make a difference, and it is great to partner with others who are like-minded.”
The food truck will serve hot soups, curries and stews, as well as cold and hot drinks.
The ‘activation zone’ comes after a $136,950 Federal Government grant under the Safer Streets program to “rejuvenate” Bourke Park.
The area includes access to water and electricity to accommodate for food truck installations.
The van was donated by Cuppa Time cafe in Main Street, Pakenham, and 4Cs have donated food to be used in meals that will be served.
For more information or to donate towards the Blessed Collective, contact Luke at admin@followchurch.com.au
