Chef Domenic Zema has always donated meals where he can to charities and non-for-profit organisations, which he said is his way of giving back to the community.
“I have owned my restaurant for 10 years, at the beginning I donated to Vinnies Soup Van every couple of weeks for a few years,” he said.
“Then two years ago I saw reaching out food service on one of the Facebook groups, and loved the concept.
“I have been donating between 30-50 meals every two weeks since then.”
Reaching Out in the Inner West of Melbourne is a group solely run by volunteers who have delivered a food service every Monday night since 2005, primarily run by Randa Beirouti.
Domenic owns an Italian restaurant called Casa Di Tutti in Seddon, providing fresh Italian produce to the service.
“I make pasta to give 99 per cent of the time, I will always make fresh pasta and fresh sauce to go together.
“Sometimes it might be a risotto or something different but it will typically be whatever I feel like making on the day.”
Domenic said he has noticed the increasing need in the community so he enjoys helping where he can.
“This is my way of giving back , there is so much need out there so if I can provide a few meals for people that are really struggling it is worth it.”
Despite his selfless donations, Domenic admits sometimes he struggles himself.
“I won’t lie some weeks it is abit tough, running a small business now is just as hard as it was during COVID.
“However, this is something I am personally fortunate enough to do, and I love what I do.
“30-40 meals doesn’t cost me the world, so this is what I do to help out.”
Jennifer Pittorino
