People with Purpose: Social enterprise’s work gives us all food for thought

What is Plate It Forward?

Plate It Forward is a social enterprise that focuses on addressing food insecurity and providing employment opportunities to marginalised communities.

The initiative operates by running a network of restaurants where profits are reinvested into the community through meal donations, employment, and training programs.

Plate It Forward aims to create sustainable social change by leveraging the hospitality industry to support those in need.

What’s your background and how did you come to start Plate It Forward?

My journey to founding Plate It Forward began with a significant career shift.

I originally worked in banking but decided to leave the corporate world after realising that my true passion lay in helping others and making a tangible impact on society.

After a trip back to Sri Lanka I was inspired to create a business model that could address food insecurity and provide opportunities for disadvantaged individuals.

What kind of a difference has it made?

We’ve been able to provide both nutritious meals and opportunity to those in need. To date we’ve been able to donate more than 560,000 meals as well as train and employ more than 200 people.

We’ve paid out more than $3 million in wages to people who may have otherwise relied on social welfare to stay afloat.

What lessons have you learned along the way?

Building strong, genuine relationships with the community is crucial for understanding their needs and creating effective programs.

Being flexible and open to change is essential for overcoming challenges and ensuring the sustainability of our goals, and focusing on long-term, sustainable solutions rather than temporary fixes leads to more meaningful and lasting change.

What’s next for Shaun Christie-David and Plate It Forward?

We plan to expand Plate It Forward by opening more restaurants and partnering with additional businesses to increase our reach and impact.

We have just started a new monthly event called Mum Cha, inviting guests to dine with us over an eight-course meal with my mum and me as well as a celebrity chef and their mum!

If you’d like to keep in touch please follow us on Instagram (@plateitforward_) or visit our website, www.plateitforward.org.au