Sharing a meal, building a community – DHSV volunteers at The Big Umbrella

On Wednesday 2 April, a group of Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV) staff volunteered with The Big Umbrella (TBU), a charity dedicated to alleviating food insecurity and homelessness across Melbourne.

The team rolled up their sleeves at The Big Umbrella’s Emergency Food Relief Centre in Brunswick, preparing fresh, restaurant-quality meals entirely from rescued food. That evening the meals were packed up and served to TBU’s “friends on the street” at Federation Square as part of the Feed Melbourne meal service.

In the City of Melbourne, 48 per cent of residents reported food insecurity in 2024, 34 per cent worried that they would run out of food and 31 per cent skipped meals.

On the night, more than 200 meals were served with warmth and dignity to people experiencing food insecurity and DHSV donated 250 oral health packs to the free pop-up “supermarket”. But the experience went beyond the food and groceries – it was also about conversation, connection and shared humanity.

“I feel so privileged to have been part of The Big Umbrella volunteering day,” said Bridie Williams, Inclusion and Experience Lead at DHSV.

“How lucky we were to share a meal and conversation with people from across Melbourne, just like you and me. I was reminded that we are all looking for connection and community and what a joy to find that with my colleagues and the friends we met.”

Edward Howarth, DHSV’s Executive Director of Corporate Services, described the experience as eye-opening and transformative.

“It was a very motivating and moving experience at The Big Umbrella – seeing how they use food and supplies that would otherwise go to landfill and how they utilise the energy of volunteers and a few skilled team members to produce an impressive range of meals that are served to people in an atmosphere of warmth and respect. I am changed forever from this experience,” he said.

The day was also a reminder of the powerful role organisations can play in supporting their communities.

“Our time together working as one team to cook and then serve delicious meals to friends who are struggling in the community was such a worthwhile thing to do,” said Zemeel Saba, Chief People and Culture Officer.

“The experience humbled me and reminded me that we can all play a part in helping our community to be a better place – one that cares for each other.”

Our CEO, Susan McKee, embraced every part of the day, from shovelling compost to cooking pancakes, and came away deeply moved by the experience.

“Working alongside the experienced volunteers and hearing their stories of commitment was inspiring. The highlight was serving the food and having the opportunity to talk to people doing it really tough. Everyone was so grateful and generous with their thanks on our small effort to help.

The day was a stark reminder of why organisations like DHSV exist – to create a state where every person has access to the care and support they need. I will never forget this experience,” said Sue.

The team’s contribution reflects DHSV’s broader commitment to inclusion, equity and community wellbeing. It was also a chance to learn firsthand about the impact of food waste and the simple but profound value of sharing a meal. The evening wasn’t just about feeding the community, it was about being part of it.

DHSV is looking forward to an ongoing partnership with The Big Umbrella as we strive to create a Victoria that is oral disease and cavity free.

Since 2010, The Big Umbrella has served more than 515,000 meals using over 540 tonnes of food that would otherwise have gone to landfill. Their mission is clear – rescue food, feed people and form communities. If you and your team are interested in supporting this fantastic organisation, book a volunteering day or donate at https://thebigumbrella.org/