Inside the Matthew Talbot Hostel Kitchen
It’s approaching midday on a Friday at the Matthew Talbot Hostel. More than 100 men are eagerly lining up to eat lunch in the dining hall, greeted by the inviting aromas floating in from the kitchen. For some of the men, this lunch will mark the first time they’ve eaten in days.
“It’s our busiest weekday for lunch because we do fish and chips. It’s very popular,” says Mohammed Ifraan, Catering Coordinator at the Matthew Talbot Hostel.
The Matthew Talbot Hostel has long been a refuge for thousands of men experiencing homelessness in the inner city of Sydney. Located in Woolloomooloo, just a few streets over from homes priced well above $1 million, the service offers a range of crisis and long-term support including accommodation, healthcare and case management.
The service also offers immediate aid daily through the provision of sit-down – breakfast, lunch and dinner – and takeaway meals.
“We operate seven days a week, 365 days a year. Our breakfast and lunch are open to all. Dinner is for residents that live here and we also provide takeaway sandwiches or hot meals,” says Mohammed.
Around 350 meals are served each day at the Matthew Talbot Hostel, totalling more than 127,000 each year.
Running a service catering for such a high demand each day is a big operation, made possible through a dedicated team of staff and volunteers.
The kitchen menus are set weekly with different meats rotated based on availability and stock. The weekly Sunday roast is one of the best attended meals with residents looking forward to a hearty serving of chicken, beef, pork and the occasional lamb.
Another important factor taken into consideration is nutrition. The cost of nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, is often prohibitive for people on low incomes, insecure housing and facing food insecurity.
“Many of the people we assist miss out on their daily meals and the nutrition that they need. We’re able to provide a nutritious and delicious meal that keeps them happy and coming back.”
The generosity of donors, corporate partners and sponsors also allows the Matthew Talbot Hostel to host a barbeque each month on the rooftop garden, attracting upwards of 200 people, including attendees from the adjoining Ozanam Learning Centre, to share in a meal with dessert.
For Mohammed, who previously worked as a cook and chef de partie, the experience of serving clients is one of the most fulfilling parts of the role.
“The clients that we get are vulnerable, they miss out on so much in their daily life.”
“I love serving the clients.”
At the hostel, time doesn’t stand still. Soon, it’s Friday again and the clock strikes 12. The sound of roller shutter on the kitchen kiosk opening draws everyone’s attention. The first batch of fish and chips is up and so are the spirits of the men ready to dig in.