it’s Bronwyn

it’s Bronwyn Plate… after many years in the country, Bronwyn moved down to the big smoke and things were a bit tight for her and the rest of her neighbours. They were finding it hard to make ends meet. So Bronwyn would go to the Torrens Island Markets and buy fresh fruit and vegetables in bulk at a cheap price and then give it out to everyone in her area.

Well the word got around and more and more people would show up at Bronwyn’s place and it ended up getting too busy to run from her home. So Bronwyn registered her selfless idea to help others as a charity and thanks to the generosity, the City of Charles Sturt provided Bower Cottages Community Centre to set up shop… this was the beginning of ‘Nana’s Free Food Basket.’

As things have grown ‘Nana’s Free Food Basket’ has become a place known for inclusion, community, sharing and acceptance all wrapped up in wholesome healthy food cooked and shared with love. There’s a place to cook meals and a section where you can buy essentials at a reasonable price. Simple staple things like sugar, milk, etc are all available from ‘Nana’s Free Food Basket’. The kids can spend their pocket money with some treats too like chocolate, chips and cans of drink… also reasonably priced dog and cat food because your pets are also part of the family!

Bronwyn explains, “There’s a large outdoor space where we all get together. We give away all of our fruit and vegetables and bread, also there’s a free table with all sorts of goodies that is always changing. Then everyone moves inside and has a three course meal that is prepared for all.”

Bronwyn like all real champions wanted to be very clear on this point, “I have some great friends that help. At first some came along as they needed help and in time they enjoyed being there, everyone knows their jobs, we get on with it and we have a good laugh… it’s a social group as well.”

Bronwyn explains “The social interaction in having a purpose is also important, it’s not just about the food, it’s about other peoples company and having something to look forward to.”

‘Nana’s Free Food Basket’ also is really clever in their approach to making sustainable long term change in our community. They are getting in early and teaching the kids… they help at some of the schools, teaching the kids the basics of how to grow their food and the importance of how to cook a healthy nutritious meal. Also, by sharing with people from all walks of life, the kids are learning empathy for all people and they will carry that through into their adult life. It exposes the kids to a slant on life they may not otherwise see.

Bronwyn has seen it so many times, “Something can happen in your life and you can become isolated and disconnected. Times are tough and it gets to the point with some people that if they miss one more repayment on their home they will lose it, things are so tight.”

‘Nana’s Free Food Basket’ allows a family to buy some chips and soft drink at a discounted charge which allows a family to have a movie night at home which is really important, especially when times are tough.

Bronwyn is very grateful for the support of Foodbank and SecondBite, they allow ‘Nana’s Free Food Basket’ to pass on discounted/free food and essentials to those people who need it most.

When asking Bronwyn how many volunteers work with her, she’s quick to let me know, “they are not volunteers they are family.”

‘Nana’s Free Food Basket’ also provides free care packages to everyone that needs them. These are filled with fresh fruit, buns and rolls, tea and coffee, powdered milk and sugar, some chocolate to keep people warm at night and some other personal things. These packs keep people going for a couple of days. ‘Knit4Charities’ provide beanies, gloves and scarfs and CWA provides blankets for those who need them.

‘Nana’s Free Food Basket’ wants to do more, but as Bronwyn explained…”We try and focus on what we can do. We have all sorts of people that come along and everyone is welcome.”

Bronwyn wants to leave everyone with this message,”you can make a difference, there are people out there that do care, one person can make a difference, it can be as simple as sitting down with someone and sharing a conversation over coffee.”

To find out more… click this link Nana's Free Food Basket Inc. for all the details.

And here’s a quick reminder!

Bower Cottages Community Centre on Wednesdays from 4pm til 5.30pm - 200 Bower Rd, Semaphore Park.

Port Adelaide Free Friday Breakfast mornings 9am at The Masonic Hall (upstairs) Cnr of Commercial Road and Dale Street, Port Adelaide. A special mention to Fred Levi from the Freemasons Port Adelaide for being kind enough to allow ‘Nana’s Free Food Basket’ to use their hall and facilities at no cost.

‘Nana’s Free Food Basket’ does not have sponsors and is always open to donations and support.