Everybody Eats need you! 2 min read

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Everybody Eats has opened its doors again, committed to their mission to get food in bellies, not bins, and they need more volunteers to make this happen.

 

“We’re only able to survive because of our volunteers,” says Onehunga manager, Amanda Butland, who began as a volunteer herself at the pay-as-you-feel restaurant.

She says most have no experience in hospitality and the restaurant has a relaxed and nurturing atmosphere, and a real feeling of community, with people from all walks of life dining in.

“I also really encourage those who are keen to volunteer to visit first as a customer, to get a feel for the place, and see what a positive experience it can be.”

People can take shifts as kitchen helpers/cooks, dishwashers and front of house/servers. Most shifts are in the evening, though volunteers are also needed for afternoon food preparation.

Volunteers must be double vaccinated, and receive their booster within 10 days of being eligible and wear a mask. Customers must also be vaccinated to dine in.

Although they’re glad to be open again, the Everybody Eats team was also kept busy in lockdown, through a partnership with Papatūānuku Kōkiri Marae in Māngere, and inner city restaurant, Saint Alice – all sharing a philosophy of making the most out of good, local ingredients to feed the community, and reduce food waste.

Everybody Eats was still able to rescue food during lockdown, from which head chef Jamie Johnston would create a menu and this was prepared in the Onehunga kitchen. Meals were then transported the short distance to the marae, where they were distributed, still hot, to those waiting.

“We did this for about six weeks, three times a week and each time served about 150 meals,” says Amanda.

“The marae team were overwhelmed with the response and gratitude from the community, and for us, it was a way to introduce ourselves to the community too.”

To register as a volunteer, visit everybodyeats.nz. You can also make a financial donation via the website.

Everybody Eats is open for dining Sunday-Thursday, 6-8pm, at 306 Onehunga Mall.