Cherry Tree Cooks
Cherry Tree is a family-run business supporting people with disability to prepare their weekly meals at home. We cook together in a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment, celebrating food, inclusion and independence.
Our services
Meal Preparation
Cherry Tree Cooks supports people with disability to prepare their weekly meals in the comfort of their own homes. We cook alongside our participants, creating an enjoyable, energetic and supportive experience that celebrates food, inclusion and independence.
Food Safety, Nutrition & Special Dietaries
We incorporate food safety, nutrition and individual dietary requirements into our meal preparation. We support participants to enjoy nutritious, suitable meals while considering their preferences, needs and wellbeing.
Supporting Meal Preparation at Home
Cherry Tree is a family-run business supporting people with disability to prepare their weekly meals in the comfort of their own homes. Our qualified and experienced team provides safe, supportive and enjoyable meal preparation that encourages choice, participation and independence.
What We Support
- Weekly Meal Preparation
- Preparing meals together in participants' own homes.
- Food Safety
- Supporting safe food handling and kitchen practices.
- Nutrition & Special Dietaries
- Considering individual dietary needs and preferences.
- Choice & Independence
- Encouraging participation in meal selection and preparation.
- Enjoyment & Connection
- Creating a positive, energetic and welcoming cooking experience.
Meet Our Founders – Jenny and Phil
Cherry Tree is a family-run business founded by Jenny and Phil, a dedicated mother-in-law and son-in-law team. Together, they bring professional experience, lived experience and a genuine commitment to inclusion, kindness and supporting people with disability.
Jenny – Experience, Empathy and Vision
Jenny brings 20 years of experience as a NSW high school teacher, specialising in Food Technology and Hospitality across nine high schools. She has also successfully established and operated two cafes following government tenders.
Her personal experience with disability has profoundly shaped her approach to supporting others. Jenny was the guardian of her brother Paulie, who had cerebral palsy, until his passing. She is also a sibling to Brendon, who is non-verbal and has autism.
These experiences inspired Jenny to establish Cherry Tree, combining her professional background with her passion for providing quality, individualised support. She believes that everyone deserves to feel included, valued and supported, with kindness, professionalism and empathy at the heart of everything she does.
Phil – Compassion, Commitment and Practical Support
Phil brings 6 years of experience as a support worker, assisting people with complex needs in the community. His commitment to supporting others led him to complete a Certificate IV in Disability.
Known for his patience, kindness and empathy, Phil also brings exceptional cooking skills to Cherry Tree. His personal experience with disability, growing up as one of seven boys with two brothers who have disabilities, has given him a genuine understanding of the importance of inclusion and individual support. Phil also lives with a task-limiting condition.
Phil believes that good support is about understanding people, respecting their abilities and creating positive experiences together.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
At Cherry Tree, inclusion is more than a value; it is at the heart of who we are and how we work.
We recognise that every person has different abilities, preferences and support needs. We are committed to providing a safe, welcoming and respectful environment where people feel comfortable, valued and included.
Through in-home meal preparation, we bring people together through food, encourage participation and support greater independence in everyday life.
At Cherry Tree, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to participate, belong and enjoy the simple pleasure of preparing, eating and sharing good food.
Testimonials
We extend our heartfelt thanks … especially Jenny
and Phil, for giving our students the valuable
opportunity to learn new skills that will aid them in
their future employment. We are deeply grateful to
everyone involved for the kindness shown to our
students. You are all truly amazing, and the community
is blessed to have such wonderful people supporting
them. God bless you all.
—
Holy Spirit Catholic College