Need a Feed hosts 'Mini Service Expo' to connect community with vital services

The event will be “breaking down barriers”. Photo: Need a Feed.

Need a Feed is upping the ante on its community connection at its upcoming weekly lunch by hosting a “mini service expo”.

Aiming to connect 10 essential support organisations with those who need it most, Need a Feed founder Shaz Harrison says the event is about “more than just a meal”.

“It’s about helping people access the support they need in a safe and welcoming space,” she says. “At Need a Feed, we believe in feeding the mind, body and soul. This means not only providing food but also connecting people with the right support services to improve their lives.”

Organisations such as Gamble Aware, Recovery Space, Flourish, Mental Health Hub and other vital community services will be on hand to offer guidance, answer questions, and provide assistance on a range of issues, from financial stress to mental health and housing support.

Representatives from these organisations will be “milling around” in an informal and welcoming environment that Shaz hopes Need a Feed’s clientele will find easy to engage in.

“Instead of having to seek these organisations out, by bringing these services directly to our community lunch, we’re breaking down barriers and making help more accessible to those who need it,” she says. “We’ll eat together and hopefully, make some meaningful connections.”

The inaugural event of what Shaz hopes will become a regular occurrence, the Mini Service Expo is open to anyone who may benefit, whether they’re seeking support themselves or looking for information for a friend or family member.

Need a Feed hosts a Community Connection Lunch on Thursdays at the community space in the Northern Illawarra Uniting Church, Bulli and “Breakfast Buddies” every Monday at Wollongong’s Globe Lane.

The organisation was recently named the Community Group of the Year at the City of Wollongong Awards 2025.

“There were 21 incredible organisations in the category, so we were absolutely blown away,” Shaz says. “We’re so grateful for the win – it will help us get the word out.”

Building awareness is especially important to the organisation at the moment as it works to raise funds for a food truck to help extend its reach.

The Need a Feed Mini Service Expo takes place at the Northern Illawarra Uniting Church Community Space this Thursday 20 February from 10 am to 2 pm, with lunch served at noon for a gold coin donation.