Making a Difference: Lefevre Community Kitchen Transforms Local Produce into Community Connection
Tomato Chutney (made by Lefevre Community Kitchen)
Located at the Lefevre Wellbeing Precinct in Osborne, the Lefevre Community Kitchen is a shining example of how local volunteers can turn surplus food into real community benefit. Established in August 2020 by the City of Port Adelaide Enfield in response to food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic, the kitchen has since grown into a welcoming space that fosters food security, nutrition education, and social connection.
Each week, the dedicated Food Crew Volunteers work in partnership with food rescue organisations such as Fruit Share Adelaide, OzHarvest, and SecondBite to deliver a hot meal. Their Thursday lunch program is about more than just a meal – it’s a chance for people to connect, share stories, and build community.
The kitchen also hosts the Open Kitchen program, which offers hands-on cooking classes and workshops that teach valuable skills like food preservation and reducing food waste. This program is run in collaboration with KESAB and local facilitators.
The Food Crew also looks after a Grow Free Cart, available five days a week, where community members are encouraged to "take what you need, leave what you can." It’s a simple yet powerful way to share fresh produce and promote giving within the community.
Making the tomato chutney
What truly sets the kitchen apart is its creative use of every donation. Fruit from Fruit Share Adelaide is transformed into everything from pasta sauces and soups to jams, chutneys, and dehydrated snacks. These nourishing creations support a range of programs, including playgroups, open days, and community film nights, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
As a key part of the City of Port Adelaide Enfield’s Food Relief Network, the Lefevre Community Kitchen works closely with other food programs across the peninsula. What started as an emergency response has evolved into a thriving food hub – one that helps build stronger, more connected neighbourhoods.
Thanks to the ongoing support of organisations like Fruit Share Adelaide, the kitchen continues to show that food security projects do more than just feed people – they bring people together, share knowledge, and make a lasting difference in the lives of many.
In recognition of their outstanding efforts, the Food Crew Volunteers received the Minister for Health’s Excellence in Public Health Award in 2022 and were honoured with a City of Port Adelaide Enfield Australia Day Award for Service to the Community in 2024.
For further information, contact Vanessa at vanessa.gastongardner@cityofpae.sa.gov.au
