Last week, Maitland chef and Australia’s Slow Food leader Amorelle Dempster put the call out to volunteers to join her in preparing and cooking food for charities that battled to find sufficient supplies. 

A young mum and former school teacher contacted Ms Dempster and helped cook 30 litres of ham and lentil soup from her kitchen at East Maitland Readers Cafe and Larder. 

On Monday, not-for-profit food rescue service OzHarvest Newcastle delivered the meals to Maitland Neighbourhood Centre, Maitland Youth Crisis Centre and the Community Restorative Centre. 

"It doesn't matter what we deliver - soup, meat, vegetables - the charities are always very thankful," Newcastle OzHarvest manager Monique Maguire said.

Ms Dempster said she wanted to keep meals healthy, seasonal and not limited to soup.

"Whatever is available, whatever is seasonal - if we have a lot of vegetables we may cook a tagine," Ms Dempster said.

She has asked local producers, farmers and butchers to donate unwanted produce.

"I'm really concerned about food waste and the amount of food going into landfill; we waste a lot of the food we produce," Ms Dempster said.

"So much of the people in our community go hungry and I think we have a responsibility to help them."

More volunteers are needed and cooking experience is not required.

If you'd like to volunteer or donate produce please call the cafe on 4933 5644.