Your support is giving veterans a fresh start: FareShare meals at the V Centre

“I have a friend whose sister threw his microwave out, so he was eating sandwiches for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I asked what his blood sugar level was, he said 14.5! That day, I bought him a microwave and told him to eat frozen meals. He had some FareShare ones. Now it’s down to 5.5.” 

These are the types of stories you’re likely to hear at The V Centre, a converted aged care facility run by Vasey that helps young veterans rehabilitate into society. Around 16 veterans stay for up to 12 months, working with psychologists, financial counsellors, and employment specialists, and participating in activities. 

The rooms are beautiful and dignified. Each has its own large bed, lounge area, ensuite and kitchenette. And there, in the freezer waiting to welcome them, are FareShare meals. 

Bree Talbot, the Program Support Worker at The V Centre says FareShare meals are popular with many of the current residents, who may have just been released from Ward 17, the mental health hospital for veterans and first responders located next to The V Centre, or on bail.

“Sam, he’s 24, has never cooked for himself. They’re great for him” says Bree.

Bree also loves the nutrition we cook into our meals. “We had a guy who just moved out who had diabetes. It was always up and down. Once he started eating FareShare meals, he seemed to level out a lot more…” 

“Personally, I love them,” says The V Centre resident Damian. “FareShare meals saved me from having to go shopping after I had surgery and couldn’t lift anything for a while. It’s great not having to think about food.”  

One of The V Centre's dignified rooms for young veterans.

The V Centre provides wonderful support for young veterans – a group that is twice as likely to die by suicide and three times as likely to be homeless. It only opened in February 2024 but already six veterans have graduated to an ex-service accommodation facility across the road, which caters to veterans young and old.

FareShare meals assist residents at both accommodation sites, providing a welcome constant for the people who graduate. Former veteran Bruce looks after these longer-term veterans – he was the one who bought a microwave for one of them. He says five or six residents in particular rely on FareShare meals.  

“Every Tuesday I give them a ring and say, ‘Come up’. Gave some to a guy for the first time yesterday. He called me 10 minutes later and said, ‘Geez, they’re delicious’. They love them.” 

Back at The V Centre, many of the veterans are milling around. Most are unable to work for wages, which means a lot of idle time. 

Bree has seen a lot since she started working there earlier this year, especially on night shifts when the residents with PTSD typically get louder. Often, she may not get home to her busy household of four teenagers until 8-8.30pm. But she wouldn’t have it any other way. 

"I gave [FareShare meals] to a guy for the first time yesterday. He called me 10 minutes later and said, ‘Geez, they’re delicious’. They love them."

Bruce, The V Centre
Bree Talbot, Program Support Worker at The V Centre, holds up a FareShare meal.

“I started out just doing weekends. This was just going to be my fun job. But I’ve come over full time. That’s much love I love it.” 

FareShare meals continue to be a welcome addition to the residents at The V Centre and the ESA, playing an important role in helping these young veterans find their feet again.  

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