Each Tuesday, about 30 staff and 30 year 11 students have been preparing and sharing meals through the van.

The students follow a roster and staff support food distribution.

School support officer at St John's, Janie Hamilton, said it was an opportunity for senior students to support their local community.

Ms Hamilton said a letter received by one of the food van patrons meant a lot to students and staff involved in the initiative.

The letter read: "I am a regular at the Vinnie's van every Tuesday evening in Nowra. I would like to thank you as it is such a blessing. I get a hot meal and the sandwiches are fresh and delicious. When provided with toys and toiletries it's great, I share them and bring lots of joy to children. The guy that runs it does a great job. I am very grateful- it is the highlight of my week."

According to the most recent report from the Vinnies Van Coordinators, over the past six months 736 individual people attended the Nowra Service, and over 100 children were given a hot meal.

"That means there were 736 hot meals served and people and families often took hot food home," the report said.

"Over 600 sandwiches were made and greatly appreciated by our visitors to the van.

"We gave out 20 boxes of bread (each box contains 10 to 12 bags of bread and rolls) and fruit and vegies and countless cups of cordial, coffee, tea and milo.

"Everyone always enjoyed dessert - trifle, doughnuts, cake, slice and brownies.

"We have given out shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes and deodorant.

"Our Christmas hampers were a great hit and hopefully we will bring more next Christmas to meet the demand for hampers.

"We were able to provide Christmas gifts for children, men and ladies, and we gave out over 80 blankets and hundreds of beanies and scarves in winter."