What began as a single pot of soup shared in a Midland car park has grown into a vital community service, supporting hundreds of people daily.

Founded by Loren Pratt in 2019, Midland Meals now operates seven days a week in Midland, providing nourishing, home-cooked meals to people doing it tough. Supported by more than 200 volunteers, the organisation has become a consistent and compassionate presence for those experiencing hardship. As winter approaches, that support becomes even more critical.

“We’re seeing more and more people coming in their cars because of the rising cost of utilities and bills. Whereas, when we first started and during COVID, it was a lot more people sleeping rough on the streets.”

While Midland Meals continues to provide meals every night, the service extends far beyond food. For many, it offers dignity, connection and a sense of belonging during difficult times.

The Stan Perron Charitable Foundation has supported Midland Meals to strengthen its operations and reach more people in need. In 2025, funding was provided for a Toyota HiAce van, enabling the team to collect and distribute larger quantities of donated food more efficiently — what previously required multiple trips can now be achieved in one, significantly increasing the volume of food delivered while reducing waste.

“When I first got the van, I did a pickup the very next day,” Loren recalls. “What used to take me three trips up and down the hill, I did in one. I counted 35 boxes in a single trip. I just thought, how good is this?”

The Foundation also provided additional funding over the Christmas period, helping Midland Meals meet heightened demand during one of the busiest times of the year, and most recently, supported with additional items to assist with increasing kitchen capacity and clothing distribution.

Recent visits by Foundation representatives highlighted the impact of Midland Meals’ work and the growing demand for its services.

Each evening, volunteers prepare and serve meals, from burgers and casseroles to bread rolls, fruit, desserts and water — creating not just a meal but a moment of care and connection.

Reflecting the scale of need in the community, one such service provided more than 150 meals in a single evening.

As winter sets in, additional challenges emerge. Alongside food, there is a growing demand for essential items such as blankets and sleeping bags — simple items that can make a significant difference to comfort and wellbeing during the colder months.

Responding to these needs is at the heart of Midland Meals’ work.

Midland Meals remains a grassroots organisation, driven by compassion and supported by its community. Its growth reflects not only increasing demand but also the willingness of volunteers, donors and supporters to step in and help where it matters most.

For Loren and his team, the mission remains unchanged.

“While there’s a hungry person out there doing it hard, and especially with the cold, wet weather, how can I be comfortable sitting in my house at night knowing people are struggling and I haven’t done anything to help?”

With the continued support of the Foundation and the broader community, Midland Meals is ensuring no one has to face hardship alone — particularly during the colder months ahead.

To learn more about Midland Meals visit, Midland Meals.

Published: May 2026

MIDLAND MEALS PROVIDING MORE THAN A MEAL

What began as a single pot of soup shared in a Midland car park has grown into a vital community service, supporting hundreds of people daily.