PN. WE ARE HERE
Turning lemons into melting moments. Maxine Mackay of Smithfield is one of the newest volunteers at The Precinct’s Healthy Food Co. After finding herself at home more often, Maxine needed an outlet to socialise and put her baking skills to good use. From bundt cake to melting moment biscuits, this baker has a sweet tooth for desserts. “Anything with lemon, lemon cakes or biscuits or whatever is needed for the café that week we will make,” Maxine said. “They can try my bundt cake, lemon melting moment biscuits and also other cakes like carrot cake and cheesecakes – lots of things.” But Maxine isn’t always found in the kitchen, volunteering up to 15 hours each week doing various tasks across the Healthy Food Co store and The Precinct’s café. “I work in the kitchen, do some baking and cooking in the café and serve in the shop area,” she said. “We all do a bit of everything, you are just multi-tasking all the time.” Maxine learned about the Healthy Food Co after attending a craft workshop at the Elizabeth Rise Community Centre and hasn’t looked back since. “This is my happy place,” she said. “Everyone is just so friendly, they back each other up and they are very supportive.” The volunteers are busy in preparation for Christmas, putting together pre-ordered and pre-purchased hampers for local families over the festive period. They are packing all the foods and treats from chicken to mince pies needed for a feast and to keep the pantry stocked. Christmas goodies are available throughout November and December at both of the Healthy Food Co in Smithfield Plains and Elizabeth Downs. For more information on the stores visit playford.sa.gov.au/healthyfoodco PAGE 18 | playford.sa.gov.au
Maxine is also one local who has placed her order, helping to eliminate the stress of food shopping at Christmas. “I am actually going to do mine for my daughter as a Christmas present,” she said. “I think it helps families out with a bit of extra food for Christmas. “It’s a brilliant idea.”
