AROUND 20 meals a day is what it will take for the Leeton Community Op Shop to be able to continue funding its welfare services and programs.
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The Leeton Community Op Shop is much more than its name sounds as its welfare programs will attest to.
Behind the day-to-day business of the store are welfare services helping members of the community, and there is a way everyone can help ensure that assistance keeps on happening.
These programs come in many forms, whether it's the work for the dole program, meals for the needy and other areas of support for those suffering and struggling in the community, the op shop does its best to help everyone.
However, none of that comes cheaply.
The store has its own kitchen and cafe where meals are served for lunch, coffee and treats throughout the day and a free breakfast program.
The community can help out simply by having lunch provided by op shop staff for just $5.
"I don't think people realise it's something we do ... it's these meals that help cover costs of our welfare services, so we would like to encourage people to come in, even if it is just once a week, and have lunch here," welfare manager Narelle Weymouth said.
"We're more than just an op shop.
"By having a meal here you're also helping us cover staffing costs and keeping them in a job. It all really helps."
The lunch that is served up every day is home-made and for $5 it's a seriously large portion on offer.
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Bev Moore is the current kitchen supervisor and the role has really helped her out. She originally started at the op shop as part of the Work for the Dole program. Upon completion, she was offered a job, which she said has really helped get her life on track.
Residents can also assist by donating items to the op shop's pantry.
All of these ingredients are used to help create meals, provide a free breakfast every morning and also given to those in need.
A common misconception is the lunch time meals are only for those who are struggling, but that isn't the case.
"It's for everyone to enjoy and it really does help keep us going with the services we provide," Mrs Weymouth said.
Meals are also now being frozen and sold, which is another avenue residents can use to support the services being provided.
"We'd also love to see more volunteers come on board too ... we're always on the look out," Mrs Weymouth said. "At the end of the day we want this to be a thriving place for all members of the community."