General News
18 May, 2026
Cost pressure drives demand for Ararat Community Food Van
Cost pressures drives demand for Ararat Community Food Van
The Community Food Val operates from the Ararat Skate Park every Wednesday night and demand for hot meals has grown to around 50 participants a week
Committee Chair Bob Sanders said the concept of the food van was to ensure that people doing it tough could get access to a free hot meal and a friendly face.
“The food van has been going very successfully over the last few months and rain, hail or shine we will be out there on a Wednesday night.
“We are particularly encouraged by the fact people in genuine need utilise the service,” he said.
Mr Sanders said demand had grown from around a dozen hot meals on a Wednesday night to over 50.
“We’ve getting 50 plus most nights.
“It amazes me just how much of a need there is for the service. There are a lot of people out there that really do need help and it’s great to see them utilise it.
Mr Sanders said the majority of people utilising the service are in genuine need.
“We’re getting a few people who don’t genuinely need a free feed but we can’t be selective.
“The vast majority of people coming along really need the service, no questions,” he said.
The Community Food Van operates every Wednesday night from the Ararat Skate Park from 6.30pm.
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