Casserole Club was launched in Heathcote this week after its success in the Macedon Ranges Shire.

The program – run in conjunction with Heathcote Health and the City of Greater Bendigo – connects volunteer cooks with an elderly or disadvantaged person via a matchmaking process.

They then cook one meal before the diner decides if they would like the partnership to continue.

City of Greater Bendigo community partnerships manager Steven Abbott said they would monitor the program in Heathcote with a view to rolling it out in Bendigo.

“We see the potential for this program to be broadened,” he said.

“The City of Greater Bendigo looked at other models that have been piloted around… we thought, where in Greater Bendigo would be the perfect place trial this?

“We see the Casserole Club as a terrific opportunity to both build on the resources of those who can share an extra plate, but also to provide an extra plate for those that may not be able to secure their own food – or just want someone to have a conversation with.”

About 10,000 people in the City of Greater Bendigo do not have “food security”. A number of other food share programs exist in Bendigo, but the council believes they can co-exist together.

Each volunteer cook is subject to a police check and a food safety test, and the cook will be able to view their diner’s food preferences to help decide what food would be appropriate.

More than 7000 people already take part in the program in Australia.

Mr Abbott said it was not just about food, but about connecting people with their neighbours.

“When you break bread with someone, you really do break down barriers,” he said.

“Food relief and food share programs play a really important role just in getting food on the plate, as well as the social capital they bring with them.”