At 101 years of age, Mary Norris' secret to health and longevity isn't a special diet — but it does take place in the kitchen.
The Sunshine Coast great grandmother regularly spends her Wednesday evenings peeling vegetables to help prepare community dinners for people in need.
The volunteer work is the highlight of her week.
"I've always looked forward to it," she said.
"I enjoy doing it and being with people."
Ms Norris still lives independently but makes sure she stays active and social.
"When you're at home all day it's a long day. I look forward to the days I can go out and have some company," she said.
'Keep doing what you're doing'
Fellow volunteer Narelle Munroe met the centenarian through the meal program and found her inspirational.
"She's my hero," Ms Munroe said.
"She's really given me a new purpose in life — to reach 100.
"We ask her 'Mary, how do you do it?' And her motto is really to keep going."
In her younger days, Ms Norris worked in a cafe and later ran a post office.
"I've always worked around people, all the time," she said.
"I think you just keep doing what you're doing, and if you've got other things to do than your housework it helps you a lot."
Putting love into meals for people doing it tough keeps a smile on her face.
"It's nice when people have their meal and they come over and say 'thanks very much, I've thoroughly enjoyed that'," she said.
"You hear some of them say 'You know what? If I had gone home to mum that's just what I would have had for tea'. So it's nice to hear them say it."
Community dinner demand grows
The weekly meal service at St Peter's Anglican Church has been steadily growing as cost of living pressures rise.
"We have seen a big increase in numbers that are coming in and looking for a good wholesome meal," Ms Munroe said.
Former Vietnam veteran Keith Innes has been a regular at the community dinners for the past three years.
"It's home cooked, that's a major thing. I don't get a home cooked meal so it's quite enjoyable," he said.
Mr Innes said seeing Ms Norris volunteer in the kitchen is "brilliant".
"She's quite amazing for 101," he said.
"It inspires me that I can keep going. I'm 73 now and I can keep going, keep trying until I just can't do it anymore."
After 13 years volunteering in the kitchen, Ms Norris has no plans to hang up her apron anytime soon.
"I've got something to look forward to all the time," she said.
"I hope I can keep doing it for awhile yet."
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