A Hobart pub is putting its kitchen to work for people doing it tough, cooking a massive batch of curry every fortnight for a free community meal run by Food Not Bombs Hobart.
The New Sydney Hotel will prepare a fresh curry and rice for 25 people every second week, with volunteers carrying it across the road to Criterion House for the group’s weekly Shared Table gathering.
Ashan Rodrigo, who runs the pub, said the partnership came about after getting to know Food Not Bombs organiser Christian McGann and reading about the group’s work in Pulse.
“I come from a very poor background in Sri Lanka, so we’ve experienced not having food, so now that we can support other people, I thought this is probably the best opportunity to put our hands up and come forward and give something back to the community,” he said.
He said the curry will change each fortnight to keep things interesting.
“The word pub originally comes from public house and we also talk about being a community-focused pub,” Rodrigo said.
“I thought it’s nice to talk about it, like let’s actually do something about it.”
Food Not Bombs Hobart has been running for more than 10 years, relying on volunteers, donations and local businesses to provide free meals and essentials to anyone who needs them.
The group recently recorded its biggest gathering in a decade – a milestone organiser Christiaan McCann said reflected growing hardship rather than cause for celebration.
“The reality is that more people are struggling with rising living costs, housing pressures and the everyday challenge of making ends meet,” McCann said.
The Shared Table operates weekly at Criterion House, with New Sydney’s curry joining the other volunteer-prepared dishes every fortnight.
The first curry from the New Sydney Hotel is set to be served this Saturday.
Rodrigo encouraged anyone wanting to help to reach out to Food Not Bombs Hobart.
