This Melbourne Social Enterprise Is Helping Refugees In An Innovative Way

Founded by Loretta and Daniel Bolotin, Free to Feed is a not-for-profit organization that assists refugees and new migrants by engaging them in food-based enterprises. Culture Trip spoke with Loretta about the entrepreneurial characteristics of refugees, food appreciation and the impact of sharing authentic cultural experiences in the kitchen.

What inspired the Free to Feed concept?

Free to Feed is the culmination of years of work within the refugee sector where I gained an appreciation into the social isolation and workplace discrimination/barriers faced by people seeking asylum and refugees. We believe that refugees and people seeking asylum have the ability to enrich Australian society culturally and make positive economic contributions, whether that be as hardworking and loyal employees or as entrepreneurs and self-starters. Free to Feed is about sharing and showcasing the incredible cultures that make up the diverse tapestry that is Victoria and giving refugees and people seeking asylum a platform to share their story, their identity and their incredible food knowledge.

How does Free to Feed enrich the lives of refugees?

What do you hope people will take away from these classes?

We don’t have any particular pre-packaged, take-home message. People are encouraged to be curious and take away what they feel they’ve gained/learned, whether that be a bunch of delicious new recipes, understanding a new culture, an appreciation for pomegranates, an understanding of the refugee experience, a sense of belong and like-mindedness with fellow participants, an appreciation of house-blended spices, outrage at political policies, sadness, inspiration, an appreciation for human resilience, a passion for cooking, a sense of hopelessness and a full belly! Anything is possible!

Loretta, you’ve worked in the refugee sector previously. How does this role differ from your past experiences?

This role is super creative, very fulfilling, incredibly demanding, self-driven, and I am learning new things and stretching myself every single day. I am also seeing real impact both on a community level and in our individual instructors/cooks.

Considering that food has the power to unite people, how has this program changed public attitude towards refugees?

Everyone that comes to our classes walks away having met a real human with lived experience of the refugee/asylum seeker journey. I prefer not to make assumptions, but I think the Free to Feed experience of sharing a kitchen, collectively cooking and hearing a person’s story is definitely a way to change the conversation around refugee issues.

Can you tell us a success story?

There are so many small successes every day! All Free to Feed cooks/instructors transform, learn and grow so much; it’s a great evolution to observe! Watch this space. We think there are going to be some pretty amazing refugee-powered food start-ups born in the next 12 months.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.