The Forster Tuncurry Salvation Army will wrap up their first run of community lunches this Friday, April 7.
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The organisation began the weekly tradition on February 3 and have welcomed up to 35 people each week.
Lieutenant Philip Sutcliffe of the Forster Tuncurry Salvation Army said the idea of the lunch is to bring members of the local community together.
"It is an option for people to come together,” Philip said.
"The people love the food and the fellowship.
“They have said it feels like home.”
The lunch is open to anyone in the community and has been backed by several local businesses.
“We’ve had fantastic local support in particular Baker’s Delight who have donated their leftover bread from a Thursday to us.
“It’s great their surplus stock from the day can go to a cause like this.
“We know for people in our community a fresh loaf of bread is a luxury so to be able to get some is brilliant.
The organisation also received support from Bunnings Warehouse, Forster in the form of a donated barbecue.
Philip noted the Great Lakes region had a growing population of elderly people who have limited opportunities to build networks and relationships in the community.
This is where the lunches provide support, guidance and friendship to those who need it.
“There is a huge need in our community, there are so many lonely people we see out.
"We treat them as an extension of our family.”
Wife Donna – who also is a lieutenant – said the organisation had seen a rise in volunteers since the lunches began.
“People will come along and feel a sense of community by helping as well,” Donna said.
“When you are a part of something, you feel a part of the ownership of it so people have come along and started volunteering.”
The lunches will resume after the forthcoming school holidays on April 28.
For more information on the community lunch and other events, contact the Salvation Army on 6554 6101.
