Uniting Wodonga, Food Without Barriers

Uniting Vic Tas has long been a pillar of support in the Wodonga community, providing essential services and outreach programs to those in need. One of their standout community initiatives is Food Without Barriers, a two-dish pop-up restaurant that not only serves meals to sixty emergency relief clients every Tuesday but also offers invaluable training and work experience to young people and students with disabilities.

Empowering students through experience

At Food Without Barriers, students take on the roles of waiters and cooks, running the entire restaurant operation. From greeting guests at the door to taking orders, cooking meals, and cleaning tables, these students gain hands-on experience in every aspect of the hospitality industry.

Recently, team members from the local CVGT Employment Wodonga office attended one of the weekly lunches, witnessing firsthand the skills and dedication of the students.

Disability students Tyniesha Thrower and Luke Harris take orders at the Food without Barriers restaurant counter.

We were so impressed with the students. As a Disability Employment Services provider, initiatives like Food without Barriers are crucial for providing hands-on experience in a real restaurant setting. This practical training helps young adults with disabilities find meaningful employment.
Peter Craven
CVGT Employment Wodonga Manager

CVGT Employment Wodonga team with Wodonga TAFE students and the Food Without Barriers team.
L-R: Stella Childs, Sarah Taylor (Support Worker), Jordan Greck, Bree Barlow Weir, Doug McGhee (Teacher, Wodonga TAFE), Jodie Ward (Senior Business Development Officer, CVGT Employment), Luke Harris, Catherine Byrne (Emergency Relief Coordinator, Uniting), Peter Craven (Wodonga Manager, CVGT Employment). Front row: Kellie Jackson (Regional Manager, CVGT Employment).

Catherine Byrne, Emergency Relief Coordinator in Wodonga, emphasises the importance of raising food waste awareness with the students. “Students are given the opportunity to come up with meal ideas for the restaurant using rescued food from supermarkets and food producers. This teaches them about the importance of rescued food and how it is used by emergency relief providers.”

Building support through collaboration

The success of Food Without Barriers is a testament to the collaborative efforts between Uniting, Wodonga TAFE, and local businesses like Fernbank Confectionary, which are dedicated to upskilling young adults with intellectual or cognitive disabilities. Food Without Barriers is also a 2024 CVGT Employment Community Grant recipient. Grant funding has been instrumental in sustaining the program, allowing Uniting to supplement food items that are not donated.

“Initiatives like Food Without Barriers are essential pieces in the inclusion puzzle, helping to build the skills and capacity needed for individuals with disability to thrive in the workforce,” Peter says.

IMG E0256 — CVGT Employment Wodonga staff, Jodie Ward and Peter Craven thank student Stella Childs for a “delicious meal and fantastic service”.

“Uniting’s emergency relief is also a vital part of our community support network, with participants often being referred to CVGT for employment assistance.”

Lasting impact

Uniting’s Food without Barriers program is crucial for providing hot meals to those in need of emergency relief and offering invaluable training opportunities for young people with disabilities. By delivering practical training, fostering community partnerships, and promoting the importance of food rescue, Uniting is making a significant impact.

Food Without Barriers students and their TAFE teacher Doug McGhee share a joyful moment, celebrating their achievements and the positive impact of their work in the community.

We work to inspire people, enliven communities, and confront injustice. Our mission is to empower individuals and create a supportive, inclusive community for all.
Catherine Byrne
Uniting, Emergency Relief Coordinator in Wodonga

Q &A with the students

We asked some of the Food Without Barriers, TAFE students, ‘What benefits do you get from this program?’

Check out what they had to say below.

For more information about Uniting’s services and how you can get involved, visit their website here.

About Food Without Barriers Wodonga

Located on 177 Beechworth Road, Wodonga VIC, Food Without Barriers is a two-dish, pop-up restaurant giving young students hospitality experience. The meal is free, however any donation is welcome and encouraged to help fund the program.

Our restaurant is open every Tuesday at 12pm for a strict 12.30pm sitting. Bookings are essential, call us on 02 6048 6900.

CVGT Employment’s 2024 Community Grants program

Our 2024 Community Grants program is specifically focused on youth career support.

We believe that investing in our young people today, creates a brighter and more resilient community tomorrow.

Learn more about our 2024 Community Grant recipients here.