Campaign launched to support move to new hub

For over a decade C Care has been providing meals for those experiencing food insecurity or social isolation. Its support includes kosher cooked meals, fresh grocery hampers, pantry items, and social connections, thanks to its dedicated volunteers and generous donors.

The demand for support continues to grow as Australians face cost-of-living pressures and housing stress.

C Care recently launched its fundraising campaign “More Than a Meal” to raise $500,000 to help complete the fit-out of its new home on Pakington Street in St Kilda – a move that will allow the organisation to continue meeting rising demand for food relief and social connection across Melbourne.

The new Pakington Street hub will feature a commercial kitchen capable of producing thousands of meals each week, dedicated volunteer spaces for meal packing and grocery distribution, a pantry area with space for 66 pallets of goods, and a warm, community-oriented environment for outreach and engagement. The move is designed to significantly expand C Care’s capacity to serve the community and ensure its programs can continue to operate efficiently, safely and sustainably.

“Currently C Care supports more than 2500 people every week,” said CEO of C Care Rabbi Shlomo Nathanson. “Our new premises will allow us to prepare nourishing meals for 5000 people, twice as many as today, where community connections grow stronger, volunteers have space to give their best, and food support feels like belonging, not charity.”

To make this vision possible, C Care is calling on the community to get behind its fundraising campaign to fund the final fit-out, equipment and furnishings and bring the new space to life.

“This move is about so much more than bricks and mortar,” said C Care chairman Bruce Rosengarten. “It’s about creating a home and a place where people feel welcome, respected and supported. Every dollar donated will help us open our doors and ensure the people who rely on us continue to receive the help and connection they deserve.”

C Care invites the community and businesses across Melbourne to join the campaign and help raise the final funds needed to complete the move.

“Together, we can build a space that stands as a symbol of hope, compassion, and community,” said Rabbi Nathanson. “Because when the community comes together, incredible things happen.”

To donate: morethanameal.ccare.org.au