Delivering food and human connection all across Sydney

Sometimes pulling on a single thread unravels something much larger…

Such was the case for Paula Nicolas, founder of the St Merkorious Charity, when she started cooking meals for six local families who were struggling to put food on their table.

She pulled on that thread and discovered the food insecurity in her immediate community was evidence of a much bigger need.

Little did she know that many years later, she would be running a sophisticated logistical operation that delivers over 200,000 healthy meals annually to people in need across Sydney.

St Merkorious’ small team of staff — together with hundreds of dedicated volunteers — acquire, prepare, and deliver 4000 meals every week to people in over 60 suburbs.

Sadly, their success rests on a food insecurity problem with no end in sight.

Despite the immense wealth enjoyed by some Sydneysiders, many families and individuals — through no fault of their own — struggle to put enough food on the table each day.

This is a growing problem, with millions of Australians wrestling with the cost-of-living crisis.

The PAYCE Foundation has been supporting the St Merkorious food delivery service since its inception over 10 years.

“St Merkorious’ food service does a remarkable job of getting food to people who desperately need it,” said Dominic Sullivan, PAYCE Foundation Director.

“But it’s more than just food they’re delivering – it’s about having someone come to their door and ask how they’re doing.”

“Hard times can fall on any of us, and St Merkorious makes sure that people don’t have to bear the weight alone.”