Melbourne restaurants, not-for-profit team up to feed people in need

As if it's not difficult enough trying to steer a restaurant through Melbourne's second lockdown, David Lakhi of Heidelberg's Little Black Pig and Sons has taken on a new challenge.

He's teamed up with not-for-profit disability service and support organisation The Salt Foundation to make a weekly meal for people in need.

Salt Foundation co-founder Catherine Donnelley has been hosting community dinners on Fridays at West Heidelberg's Alice House for the past few years.

But during the pandemic she's seen the demand grow – whether from people seeking asylum, out of work, fleeing family violence or simply lonely.

In March, she roped in her brother, Sam Mugg, of Preston eatery Stray Neighbour, to cook the meat for the dinners. Now, Lakhi has come on board to take care of the vegetables, salads and grains.

Rather than sit-down dinners, they're packaging the meals into containers for people to take home. "I'm excited to see what can happen when two different talents join forces," says Donnelley.

For details or to request a meal, phone the Salt Foundation on 0468 317 258.