Alex Dekker

Inspirational Speaker, Social Issues

Alex Dekker is an impact-driven entrepreneur and changemaker, reshaping food relief in Australia through the not-for-profit organization he founded, Alex Makes Meals. At just 24 years old, Alex was named on Forbes’ prestigious 30 Under 30 list for his groundbreaking work in social impact. What began as a small initiative to feed healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into a powerful movement, delivering over 700,000 meals annually to vulnerable individuals and families across Melbourne.

Alex’s work has garnered numerous accolades, including being nominated for Victorian Young Australian of the Year (2021) and receiving the 2022 Premier’s Sustainability Award and the National Banksia Award. His efforts demonstrate that age is no barrier to making a profound difference.

Where were you born?

I was born in Gembrook, just outside of Melbourne, where I grew up working on my family’s flower farm. This upbringing instilled in me a strong work ethic and an understanding of the importance of community support.

What other jobs have you had?

Before launching Alex Makes Meals, I was a full-time student at Monash University, studying Science and Global Studies.

What themes are recurring in your work?

My work is centered around social justice and community welfare. I am deeply committed to fighting hunger, reducing food waste, and advocating for a society where no one is left behind. The urgency of these issues drives my passion for creating lasting change.

What have been the highlights of your career?

Building Alex Makes Meals and scaling it to provide over 700,000 meals annually across Melbourne has been incredibly rewarding. Another career highlight has been receiving recognition on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list, alongside seeing the profound impact we’ve had on reducing food insecurity in vulnerable communities.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about eradicating food insecurity and ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious meals. Beyond food relief, I advocate for reducing food waste and environmental sustainability, as demonstrated through Alex Makes Meals’ zero-waste kitchen model.

Haven’t I seen you before?

Please see as below the full list and links to media appearances on TV and in print:

1. https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/thanksamillion/thanks-a-million-campaign-alex-makes-meals-founder-alex-dekker-nominated/news-story/93ddf6044b4c3ec3f6b3afaa7cb4ba3b
2. https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/it-s-humbling-the-young-man-behind-50-000-free-meals-for-front-line-workers-20200801-p55hjv.html
3. https://www.broadsheet.com.au/melbourne/food-and-drink/article/lasagne-kickstarted-charity-feeding-frontline-workers
4. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8668787/Australian-student-cook-nurse-sister-lunch-makes-60-000-meals-frontline-workers.html
5. https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/melbourne-to-honour-community-heroes-who-stood-up-during-lockdown-20201102-p56ao0.html
6. https://www.c-store.com.au/lion-dairy-drinks-helping-to-keep-frontline-health-workers-fuelled-during-pandemic/
7. https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/australian-student-coronavirus-free-meals-healthcare-workers-a9458911.html
8. https://www.theage.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/first-a-humble-lasagne-then-loaves-and-fishes-to-feed-healthcare-heroes-20200401-p54g38.html?fbclid=IwAR2gNObIgJq_DYiDG2WwM7K0IFivUlPU_CXfsk2I-5eMiyCK88Cmwx9NTSI
9. https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/it-s-humbling-the-young-man-behind-50-000-free-meals-for-front-line-workers-20200801-p55hjv.html
10. https://7news.com.au/sunrise/on-the-show/coronavirus-melbourne-uni-student-making-thousands-of-meals-for-exhausted-health-workers-c-969049
11. https://www.sbs.com.au/food/article/2020/04/13/lasagne-his-doctor-sister-thousands-meals-health-workers?fbclid=IwAR2CjI_4ChRYevL8Sigmrr97WcnK4xB9pwawJt8A80nBli3gyDVKmw4sxJU
12. https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/how-a-20-year-old-quit-uni-to-make-55-000-free-meals-for-medicos-in-melbourne-s-lockdown
13. https://www.abc.net.au/radio/melbourne/programs/thisweekendlife/meet-the-teenager-feeding-melbournes-medics/12123188
14. https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/breakfast/alex-makes-meals/12219076?fbclid=IwAR1sEQBsR-GhC4zrJRMqUDglyeolnFNauzIFm2S0qvr_BcynOsdFPRKAbDQ
15. https://www.buzzfeed.com/marielasummerhays01/feel-good-australian-stories-coronavirus?origin=web-hf
16. https://www.franchisebusiness.com.au/red-rooster-alex-makes-meals-food-deliveries/
17. https://www.mojonews.com.au/monash-student-makes-meals-for-healthcare-professionals-working-during-covid-19
18. https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/australian-student-coronavirus-free-meals-healthcare-workers-a9458911.html?fbclid=IwAR1kSa_EkxMgp2Uo_WCQMGHUbKm1xMtSK2kazj7ZLcdg6DZOIuFXEjHjRpU