Each year, Council to Homeless Persons publishes a list of free meal services taking place around Victoria during the festive period. It aims to provide people without a home or those doing it tough with some options to enjoy a meal at Christmas. Please find this year’s list below, which will be added to as additional services arise. If you have a meal you would like to appear on this page, please email lucy@chp.org.au.
Melbourne
Bridge Darebin Laneway Lunch
When
Wednesday 16 December
12noon–2pm
Where
Bridge Darebin
218 High Street, Preston VIC 3071
RSVP
Please call Graham on 0419 361 487 or email gford@bigpond.net.au
Extra info
Christmas food, raffle and bingo will be available at this free event. All are welcome.
Diamond Creek Community Christmas Lunch
When
Christmas Day
Where
Diamond Creek Uniting Church
32 Wensley St, Diamond Creek VIC 3089
RSVP
Please call Graham on 0419 361 487 or email gford@bigpond.net.au
Extra info
For this service, free Christmas hampers are available for pick-up or you can have it delivered to your accommodation. Everyone is welcome.
Ferntree Gully Christmas Lunch
When
Christmas Eve (Saturday 24 December)
Two sessions available:
10.15am–12.45pm
1.30–4pm (FULL)
Where
St John the Baptist Parish Hall
19 Forest Rd, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156
RSVP
Booking essential. Please fill out the online inquiry form to register.
Extra info
Numbers are limited in each session. Preference is given to locals of the Knox and Dandenong Ranges area. See www.foothillscare.org.au/#christmas-day-lunch for more information or contact contact@foothillscare.org.au to discuss any questions.
Frankston Life Community Free Christmas Lunch
When
Christmas Day
12noon–1pm
Where
Frankston Arts Centre
27-37 Davey St, Frankston VIC 3199
RSVP
Entry to this event requires a ticket (free of charge) which can be picked up anytime from Thursday 1 December from the following places:
Community Support Frankston
35 Beach Street, Frankson
Open Mon, Tues, Thur & Fri 12noon–2pm
Frankston North Community Centre
26 Mahogany Avenue, Frankston North
Open Mon to Fri 9am–5pm, Sat 9am to 12noon
FCC Seaford Customer Service Centre
Corner of Station Street and Broughton Street, Seaford
Open Mon to Fri 9am–5pm
SalvoCare – Homelessness and Support Services
37 Ross Smith Avenue, Frankston
Open Mon to Fri 9am–5pm
Please email christmas@frankston.life or call 0415 039 679 for more information.
Extra info
Transport can be arranged to and from the event if required. Please ask about this service when you get your ticket. This event is sponsored by Frankston City.
Hope Cafe Christmas Dinner
When
Thursday 22 December
Between 6–7.30pm
Where
Hope Cafe @ St Mark’s Catholic Church
9 Lee Street, Fawkner VIC 3060
RSVP
No RSVP required
Extra info
Hope Cafe offers a space to share a meal, a conversation and company in a safe, warm and compassionate environment. Family and friends are welcome.
Sacred Heart Mission Christmas Lunch
When
Christmas Day
10.45am–1.30pm
Where
Dining Hall – Sacred Heart Mission
87 Grey Street, St Kilda VIC 3182
RSVP
No RSVP required.
Extra info
This event may be a sit-down or takeaway lunch, depending on Covid-19 regulations on the day.
St Anthony’s Christmas Dinner
When
Christmas Day
12noon–1pm
Where
St Anthony’s Glen Huntly Parish
164 Neerim Road, Caulfield East 3145
RSVP
Please email stanthony.christmasdinner@gmail.com or call 0432 087 494.
Extra info
All volunteers will have a current Working With Children check and Covid-19 vaccinations.
Rest of Victoria
Bendigo Community Christmas meal events
When
Between 18 and 25 December
Where
14 location across the City of Greater Bendigo, including:
Regional Victorians of Colour
Bendigo Presbyterian Chuch (St John’s)
Elmore Foodshare
Bendigo Filipino Foundation Inc
Eaglehawk Community House
Kangaroo Flat Community House
Kiwanis Bendigo Family Hub Inc
The Salvation Army Bendigo
Bendigo Baptist Community Care Inc
Rotary Club of Kangaroo Flat
Long Gully People’s Pantry
Eaglehawk Uniting Church
RSVP
Please contact the organisation directly for details, dates and times of their Community Christmas Meal event.
Extra info
This year, City of Greater Bendigo offered grants to community groups interested in hosting local meal events across the region, rather than one large central event. Visit the City of Greater Bendigo website for more information.
Useful resources
City of Melbourne Community Food Guide
City of Melbourne has produced a Community Food Guide 2022, which contains a section on community meals including free and low-cost meals.
Find the guide here and refer to page 9 onwards for the community meal directory.
Pets of the Homeless
Pets of the Homeless works to provide food, veterinary care and support to pet owners in need. It partners with established organisations that support people experiencing homelessness, to distribute pet food and supplies. If you would like support this Christmas, find your local organisation and get in touch with them directly.
Find a list of community partners here.
Salvation Army Christmas meals
Every year, the Salvos host free Christmas lunches and other meals across Australia for people feeling lonely or are who unable to prepare their own Christmas meal. For people who are interested in attending, you are encouraged to search for your closest event and contact Salvos ASAP to register your interest, as events can book out quickly.
Find more information and contact a local Salvos here.
Vinnies Soup Vans
The Vinnies Soup Van Program offers food, social connection, and referral pathways out of homelessness and poverty to people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness and disadvantage. The Soup Van Program operates across eight locations in Melbourne and Regional Victoria, including Berwick, Dandenong, Endeavour Hills, Footscray, Inner City (Kensington), Moe, Rosebud and Traralgon.
Find more information here about the soup vans including opening times.