Dishing up a big serving of community support for Gran’s Table
By Wendy Shaw
A Mersey-Leven parishioner took inspiration from Mother Teresa of Calcutta when she helped to set up a free Saturday lunch service for those experiencing food insecurity and loneliness in the Devonport area.
The Gran’s Table project started on 1 June at the Our Lady of Lourdes parish hall.
Kasia Hoffler explained how it came about: “As parishioners at Our Lady of Lourdes in Devonport, my husband and I have been volunteering as cleaners of Our Lady of Lourdes parish hall.
“During our fortnightly cleaning sessions, we both fell in love with the building with its old-fashioned, divine beauty and rich history. We spent quite some time thinking of ways to infuse some new energy into the hall, and at the same time binging our community closer together – the goal most parish halls would strive for.
“Praying over it for the past year resulted in the idea of a community lunch for the most vulnerable people in our community: the GT project.”
The response to the project has been heart-warming.
“Since our first ad, asking for volunteers, I’ve been overwhelmed by the response from our parish, as well as the Devonport community,” Kasia explained.
“Three weeks into the project, I have a team of 25 volunteers supporting Gran’s Table.”
The project has attracted wide support, with help from a range of schools, businesses and community groups. The parish has supported the project with free use of the hall, gas and electricity, as well as donations of a fridge, freezer, electric kettle, tea towels, large pots and food from parishioners.
It is filling an unmet need in the community.
“A free food kitchen is a sign of a healthy, caring and supportive community,” Kasia said.
“Free food offerings have been around for hundreds of years. As a teenage girl, I volunteered at a free soup kitchen organised by the Missionaries of Love in the south of Poland, the country I come from.
“I remember Mother Teresa from Calcutta visiting us in 1988. Her loving smile stayed with me for life.
“She saw God in the eyes of the poor. I feel like we are commissioned to continue her mission right here, right now.”
Gran’s Table aims to serve the most vulnerable in the community. In Devonport, as elsewhere in Tasmania, an increasing number of people are experiencing food insecurity.
“In early 2024, I researched the food support available in Devonport and I discovered that Saturday is the day when there is no free food support available. It made me feel sad.
“As a mum of two, I thought about all other mums who may not be able to put any food on the table on Saturday. It inspired me to create the Gran’s Table project, offering a free, hot lunch on Saturday.”
In addition to providing a hearty meal, the volunteers also offer a listening ear.
“It’s been an absolute privilege for the GT crew to be part of the life stories of our guests,” Kasia said
Gran’s Table is run with assistance from volunteers associated with Gran’s Van which has been operating in Devonport since 2006 and was the brainchild of late Devonport Mayor and Catholic parishioner Mary Binks OAM. Gran’s Van is a non-profit offering free food and hygiene services.
Kasia added: “GT is a non-denominational project … bringing together local schools, businesses, and organisations.
“With Gran’s Van offering free dinner from Sunday to Friday, and Gran’s Table Saturday lunch, we would like to make sure that nobody has to go without food this winter, or ever.
“Everyone has been really lovely and supportive, responding with a big yes to all my requests for help. The community can still support us by sharing the word and joining us on Saturday, as either volunteers or our guests.”
To find out more, email table@gransvan.org.au or ring 0403 332 907.