Alice Paige has always loved to cook, and taught herself the way around the kitchen, at age nine.
As a teenager, she would visit friend’s homes and takeover their kitchens. “I was the original surprise chef” says Alice. “I always had a passion for food. I love the flavours and textures and how they can change the way you perceive things.”
Alice has taken her passion for cooking to Soul Kitchen, a weekly program that provides three-course meals for people who are struggling financially or seeking social connections.
Soul Kitchen has been forced to close, due to COVID-19, but Alice is undeterred. Soul Kitchen is a program run by 300 Blankets, a not-for-profit charity providing friendship and blankets to people experiencing homelessness in Victoria, where Alice now volunteers.
“I think what you get back from volunteering, emotionally you get a sense of reward and giving value to someone else’s life. And it helps you resolve some of your own issues. The love you feel back bolsters you to process your own problems.”
Alice is no stranger to adversity, family and current housing issues have only built her resilience and resolve. She enrolled into the Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (SIT30816) with the view to run a food education program for people in need.
On completion, Alice’s aim is to gain employment in “community services, or food, or both”. Alice’s plan is to eventually buy a commercial food truck and “and getting a group of volunteers, get back on the road.” Her strategy is simple, “free food for people who need it, funded by those who can pay.”
Alice is currently planning her future, and is committed to continue helping others.
The Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (SIT30816) is a Free TAFE course.
Picture supplied by 300 Blankets.