By Dr. Fazle Rabbi: In an inspiring community initiative, the Bangladeshi Senior Citizens of Australia (BSCA) has launched a meal donation program in partnership with local restaurant Star Biryani Rockdale. modelled after Italy’s “caffè sospeso” (suspended coffee) concept, this program encourages restaurant patrons to donate meals for those in need in the local community.

Star Biryani Rockdale has taken the lead as the first restaurant to join this program, officially beginning on October 20, 2024. The restaurant offers a variety of affordable set menus, starting at just $3, giving customers the chance to easily donate a meal to someone in need. Inside the restaurant, a special display board lists the number of donated meals available. People experiencing hardship can come in, choose from the donated meals, and receive a takeaway meal—no questions asked, with dignity intact.

BSCA General Secretary  Hossain Arju expressed that this program allows the community to ensure that those struggling to afford meals can do so with dignity and respect. “Anyone who can’t afford a meal can come here and order from the list of already paid meals from Star Biryani Rockdale,” he said.

Dr. Fazle Rabbi, one of BSCA’s dedicated members, highlighted the importance of this initiative, especially considering the rising food insecurity in Australia. He referenced the 2023 Hunger Report from Foodbank Australia, noting that one in six Australians experienced food insecurity over the past year. In New South Wales alone, over 1 million people are expected to face food insecurity this year. “Star Biryani Rockdale’s initiative is truly incredible,” Dr. Rabbi said. “We all should come forward and support it.”

The Editor-in-Chief of Suprovat Sydney and founding member of BSCA echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that this program could serve as a catalyst for similar initiatives across Australia. “The entire community, and potentially even government bodies, should rally behind this cause to encourage more restaurants to join,” he stated.

As the homeless population continues to grow—35,011 people in New South Wales alone according to the 2021 Census, and 122,494 people nationally—programs like this offer hope. Star Biryani Rockdale has also pledged to donate any excess meals to the registered charity Dollar A Day Charity (www.dollaraday.com.au ), further extending their outreach to those in need.

This program is a beacon of hope, showing how small acts of kindness can light up the lives of those who need it most. Every time we visit Star Biryani Rockdale at 23-25 Frederick St, Rockdale, NSW 2216, we have the chance to help fight hunger by donating a meal and giving back to the community.