SOFIA KEADY on COMMUNITY PICNICS

The Batemans Bay Community Picnic was conceived by Sofia Keady after she observed that many people were left feeling isolated and lonely when the covid lockdowns were lifted, and in a community that had already been devastated by bushfires. She was already a volunteer at the Moruya Street Kitchen before covid struck, and had seen the power of a shared meal to bring people together. Volunteers came together to create a community picnic where people could come together to socialise and eat once a month. The picnic has grown each month with some 130 attending the last event. It is a simple concept that could be replicated in many communities.


COMMUNITY PICNICS

Batemans Bay Community Picnic is a social-eating program where individuals and businesses donate meals to share with the community. Its mission is to provide a safe space where everyone can connect over a meal and experience a sense of community and companionship. It was founded by Sofia Keady, a local nutritionist dedicated to reducing social isolation, building a stronger community, and fighting the loneliness epidemic grappling the people of Eurobodalla after the bushfires, floods and covid lockdowns.

 

The initiative is intended for individuals and families experiencing or on the brink of homelessness, from low socio-economic backgrounds, people who are feeling alone and lonely due to myriad of reasons such as the loss of a loved one, experiencing chronic health conditions, people with disability and mental health concerns, veterans and widows, from marginalized groups such as Indigenous Australians, refugees, migrants, elderlies, LGBTQ+, and locals who would like to socialize and connect with the community. Many people living in Eurobodalla consume their meals alone or experience social isolation which are well-established risk factors for undernutrition. In addition, both loneliness and a lack of social integration are associated with serious physical and psychological health issues.

 

BBCP volunteers deliver leftover foods from the picnic to the South Coast Community Kitchen for those unable to attend. This food relief group delivers to over 50 individuals and families from disadvantaged backgrounds in Eurobodalla.

SOFIA KEADY

Sofia is a nutritionist who conceived the idea of a community picnic to help overcome people's feelings of isolation. She previously volunteered at the Moruya Street Kitchen. She was recently recognised by the Batemans Bay Rotary Club who awarded her a Paul Harris Fellowship.

CONTACT:             Sofia Keady           0448 455153                 sofiakeady@gmail.com             













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