Free meals on offer for people doing it tough

Mr Papadatos said they planned to provide the service twice a month throughout winter, and hoped to add extra opening nights if possible.

“We're opening up the shop so people can actually sit in somewhere warm and have their drink and their soup,” he said.

“This way they can rest somewhere and have a break.

“If someone can grab at least one hot meal a day, that’s the one less thing they have to worry about.”

The idea came from the couple’s early morning starts at the café, where they regularly saw people sleeping rough.

“I thought, well, what can we do?” Mr Papadatos said.

He hopes the initiative will provide not only a warm meal, but also a welcoming space where people can feel comfortable.

Touched by the support the café had received since opening in January, Mr Papadatos said this was a way to give back to the community.

“People have been so nice to us and we thought, well, we can do something nice back for people that aren't as fortunate,” he said.

“Times are tough at the moment.”

Helping make these plans a reality is the coffee shop’s staff, who are volunteering outside work hours to help prepare and serve the meals.

“Our staff are great … they’re going to volunteer their time to do this,” Mr Papadatos said.

Mr Papadatos said several customers had already offered to help if needed, while one woman donated $100 after hearing about the project.

Mr Papadatos said his main concern now was getting the news to the people who needed it.

His message to the community is simple.

“Spread the word and look after each other in times of need,” he said.

The first free meal service will be held at Coffee Shots at 240 Wyndham St, Shepparton on Friday, June 19.

Throughout winter, the café will open on Friday evenings on alternate weeks.