A new food van venture to assist locals doing it tough was launched at Eastern Park on Thursday.

Warragul resident Zoltan Banyai said a collaboration of people including local businesses was bringing the food van to Warragul to give back to the community in the lead up to Christmas.
With support of Warragul Community House and feedback that anonymity was the key, Mr Banyai believed the location near Warragul Community Garden in Normanby St would attract rough sleepers and others finding it hard to put food on the table.
"Having it there is a perfect place," he said. "It's just got an awesome energy."
Describing it as "just a little get together", the group will utilise a heavy-utilised food van which visits the Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne every Wednesday night.
As a result, a vast range of food will be available from roast chicken, soup, stews, salads, drinks and even a coffee machine.
"It's something good and something positive, because people are doing it tough," Mr Banyai said.
"I want to give back to the community, especially before Christmas."
Mr Banyai speaks from experience, noting his own chequered past. He said it was very difficult to ask for help and change your life. "If I can do it, anyone can do it. It's not easy, it's hard."
He is particularly keen for the food van to support those sleeping rough in the Warragul area.
Mr Banyai is hoping to incorporate an Aboriginal smoking ceremony before the food van opens on Thursday at about 3pm.
Its closing time is uncertain, as "we will be there as long as it takes to feed every last person."
With a previous food van pursuit in central Warragul and Drouin not gaining high visitation, Mr Banyai said the Eastern Park location was selected to incorporate Warragul Community House and its facilities, including a community shower and washing machine. He came across the centre during a simple internet search.
He said the venture also had support of Baw Baw Food Relief and local service clubs.
In terms of long-term planning, Mr Banyai said they wanted to slowly build a presence. At a minimum, they aim to offer the food van before Christmas and Easter.
The next visit would depend on how Thursday's visit was received but "it's going to be an ongoing thing, that's for sure", he said.
Mr Banyai urged any businesses, groups or individuals keen to support the food van and local underprivileged to get in contact.
To find out more, call 0414 147 738.