A Beautiful Food Experience
A Beautiful Food Experience has been running for over a year, providing lunch and joy to people who would otherwise not have the chance to experience sharing food and conversation in a safe and inviting space. It is about much more than just feeding people. It’s about creating a place where people experiencing loneliness and social isolation know they are welcome and can feel part of their community.
The monthly event provides lunch for up to 100 people and is made possible by the Market's Cecil Street restaurants, Koy, Simply Spanish, Paco Y Lola and Claypots Evening Star.
“I’m house bound and unable to get anywhere by myself, this event is the only time I get out and can connect with others. I’m forever grateful for the invention of the hoist bus and for all the work everyone has put in to make this happen”
Where did it all begin?
In late 2017, owner of Köy, Alan Aksoy, had an idea that he wanted to give back to the community by doing something directly with his business that could make a real difference in the local community; something that would bring happiness to those going through tough times.
Alan approached friend Alischa Ross, and together they teamed up to create a simple, sustainable model to make it happen.
With support from the City of Port Philip and South Melbourne Market, and powered by the generosity of the Cecil Street restaurants, A Beautiful Food Experience was born in May 2018.
Want to be involved?
If you’d like to offer your support, have an idea about getting a business involved or would like to volunteer at an event, get in touch via the website.
You can also donate to the cause via their crowdfunding campaign as part of Giving Tuesday on Chuffed.
The upcoming December lunch will be a special one, with live music and Christmas cheer, with small gifts provided to guests to help brighten their spirits during the festive season. If you would like to donate any gifts for the December event, please drop into the South Melbourne Market Office by Sunday 1 December. Ideal gifts are gender neutral items such as socks, soaps, toiletries and keepsakes.