Boroondara Cooks

Boroondara Cooks is a meal sharing and community strengthening program that helps older residents feel more connected. Volunteers who enjoy cooking prepare an extra meal and personally deliver it to a local older resident. While the meal provides nourishment, the real benefit is the friendly connection that comes with it.

This free program is for older Boroondara residents who:

• are over 60  years old
• may feel socially isolated
• have difficulty preparing a home made meal on a daily basis
• would appreciate a home-cooked meal and a friendly check-in.

Diners are matched with volunteer cooks who prepare an extra portion and drop it off—whether weekly, fortnightly or monthly. It’s not just about the food, it’s about knowing someone cares.

All volunteers complete a food safety and hygiene course and a National Police Check.

Get involved or refer someone to us today.

How to join the program

There are 2 ways a diner can join the program:

• They can contact the Program Coordinator on (03) 9278 4777 or email [email protected].
• A family member, friend or neighbour living in Boroondara can refer them to the program. 

To refer a diner, make sure you talk to them about the program first and get their permission. Then use our online referral form.

Refer a diner to Boroondara Cooks

If you want to refer someone to the program, consider printing the Boroondara Cooks flyer below. You can give it to the potential diner so they can learn more about the program.

What happens next

After we receive an application or referral, the Program Coordinator will organise a time to visit the diner at home.

During the visit they will:

• talk about the program
• find out more about the diner, including any dietary requirements or food preferences
• ask the diner to complete a consent form to take part in the program.

We’ll match the diner with a local volunteer cook based on location, similar interests and food preferences.

Benefits for older residents

For older residents, receiving a nutritious home-cooked meal and having a conversation with a volunteer can: 

• create connection
• ease feelings of isolation
• have a positive impact on wellbeing.

Become a local volunteer cook

If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer cook, please visit our Volunteer for Boroondara Cooks page.