Demand for meals at the Uniting Church’s Jordan Cafe in Sydney’s inner-western suburb of Newtown exceeded capacity on Christmas Day following a rise in demand of almost 30 percent since COVID hit.

Now with JobKeeper ending in March demand is likely to increase.

Pastor Sam Stamos says that whilst the cafe hands out close to 250 meals on its busiest days it offers so much more than meals.

“We are church, by the community and for the community, but the meals sure do help,” Pastor Stamos said.

“Since COVID, we transitioned quite quickly to being a takeaway only service. We have seen an increase in need, people coming in for a meal and coming in for support.

“The community are very appreciative that we can stay open and they know the Jordan Cafe is a place where they can get a meal, other supplies, but also check-in.”

This month the Moderator of the Synod of NSW & the ACT Rev. Simon Hansford said that although suburbs like Newtown have seen an increase in demand, that’s not the case in all areas.

“We cannot say all Uniting Church locations in NSW and the ACT have seen uniform fluctuations in demand for food support because some people actually became less reliant upon our support due to the increase in government support payments, but we do have concerns this will change following the next rate reduction in March,” the Moderator said.

For more about Newtown’s Jordan Café visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nmjordancafe/

If you are currently operating a food service that is not yet listed in the directory and you would like it to be, please email contactus@nswact.uca.org.au.