Families and small business to benefit from new kitchen facility

A new commercial grade kitchen facility has been installed at the C3 Church which aims to run programs for disadvantaged families to develop cooking skills and healthy eating habits on a budget, plus provide a space to help get small businesses up and running.

This initiative of the Family and Community Training and Support (FACTS) was made possible due to a $20,000 grant received from the ETC Community Support Fund.

Justin Pearson the Director of FACTS and Pastor of C3 Church said the need became apparent for a facility like this after seeing trends and data from the Australian Government about health related issues associated with poor diets.

“With a few more investigations and research, we discovered that a lot of poor eating habits are mainly because unhealthy foods are cheaper and affordable. Knowing that we had a space available to train and educate people – we thought we could be part of the solution to help some of those health statistics reverse,” Mr Pearson said.

“Upgrading the facilities has been fantastic for us. The facilities we used to have were quite primitive and basic. This funding has enabled us to upgrade the whole facility to be “food grade” with plenty of space and equipment which can be used for teaching. We’re incredibly thankful for that.”

A local small business is already reaping the benefits of the new kitchen – Breno’s Cookies which is fronted by Brent Manwearing who is a young man with Downs Syndrome.

“Brent makes cookies and distributes them all over the Coffs Coast. It’s great to be able to watch him use our facilities to support his business,” Mr Pearson said.

ETC Board Chairman, Rod McKelvey, said it was a pleasure to be able to support FACTS with $20,000 towards their kitchen upgrade.

“The ETC Community Support Fund is designed to help organisations reduce disadvantage, generate opportunity, increase support services and/or build capacity in the communities in which we operate,” Mr McKelvey said.

“Since 2012 we have given back $1 million to local communities through the ETC Community Support Fund. We are proud to be a not-for-profit company.”