Last Wednesday Griffith’s Care Van served delicious chicken curry thanks to the work of keen Wade High School students and their teachers.

Under the guidance of teacher Mary Casey, four year 10 food technology students helped whip up the wholesome dish for the cause.

The aim of the Care Van is to deliver hearty meals once a week to those in need.

Mrs Casey said they were happy to be first on the roster.

“Four students were involved but we will have more next time,” she said.

“It is a great way to teach the kids about community service and show them how good it feels when you make a contribution.

“I’ve had them honing their knife skills chopping the chicken and vegetables.

“We made 120 serves of chicken curry to be served by Care Van volunteers.”

Using 15kgs of chicken tenderloins donated by Baiada and an array of vegetables, year 10 food technology students Samuel Gullo, Navjot Gakhal, Bruno Salvitti and Mikayla Guest helped create the tasty meal.

Mr Salvitti said it felt good to be part of an initiative that helped the community.

“I think it’s a great idea for us to help those who don’t have much,” he said.

The Griffith Ex-Servicemen’s Club provided the rice, Vaccari’s Bakery the bread, Ningana pumpkins, while fresh peaches and rockmelon came from Foodbank NSW last week.

Care Van co-ordinator Michelle Bordignon said after just four weeks of operation she had been overwhelmed by the response so far.

“The first three weeks were barbecues, so last Wednesday was the first official cooked meal off the roster,” she said.

“It is all a bit exciting because we weren’t sure how it was going to go.

“It’s bigger than we ever expected it to be. Last week Wade High cooked 120 serves and we ran out. Griffith High is on this week and they are really excited too.

“It’s showing there is a definite need here in Griffith. Our biggest need now is for volunteers. We need about 10 at a time. They only need to be available from 5pm to 8pm. It’s a good feeling to see how much people appreciate what we do.”

If you’d like to become a Care Van volunteer contact Griffith Neighbourhood House on 6962 4144.