Held across five of the University’s campuses, the dinners are made possible through support from volunteers and organisations as well as Western’s own students and staff.
Since the return of face-to-face learning, up to 300 students have come together each week to enjoy hearty soups, pizzas and other home-cooked meals.
Jen Alford, who studies a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours Pathway), says there is a real feeling of family and sense of community to these dinners.
“I feel a sense of purpose when I’m cooking for others, so volunteering at the dinners is a natural fit. The food is always nutritious and tasty and the company is always fun,” she said.
“It really is a highlight of my week.”
Despite not being able to gather during the pandemic, the initiative pivoted to virtual cooking lessons to ensure there was an opportunity for students to connect.
Students also came together to create a cookbook that contains recipes from different cuisines and backgrounds that was shared during the 2021 virtual cooking and community table series.
Download the cookbook at issuu.com/studentcommunityatwestern.
Community dinners feeding body and soul
A BANKSTOWN psychology student has praised Western Sydney University’s ‘community dinners’ initiative where her peers connect with each other once a week over a nourishing meal.