The lunch program forms the heart of the organisation’s activities and the relationships established during lunch form the basis for most of the other activities undertaken by Urban Seed.

Although an important by-product of the open lunch is meeting people’s need for food, the primary aim of the open lunch is to share a meal and to build meaningfull relationships with those at society's margins. From these relationships, we hope to see healing in peoples lives through community connectedness, access to appropriate treatment services, and long term support.

We also encourage those who come to lunch to become involved in the running of Credo Café and other activities (such as sporting and community building activities). This involvement is an important aspect of our community development framework.

Much of our work with marginalised people involves issues of substance abuse occurring at our back door in Baptist Place.

Due to our location in Baptist Place and since more than 50% of people who attend lunch have drug or alcohol problems. Our initial response in order to reduce the harm resulting from this substance abuse, was to provide access to fresh water, a syringe disposal bin and lighting. We now clean this space on a daily basis and monitor drug activity. This allows us to respond quickly and administer first aid to overdose sufferers. In the peak of the heroin crisis in 1999 Urban Seed responded to more than 100 overdoses.

The relationships we form through Credo café also allow us to provide an alternative life model for people struggling with addictions, and support for them where they are trying to make positive life changes. This support includes close linkages and referrals to Needle Exchange Programs, Health Services and Drug treatment services.