A new initiative from the Glen Innes Anglican Church is doing more than just filling pantries, it’s building a sense of community by combining help and hope.
The Community Food Pantry, launched on May 12 and operating fortnightly, is already proving to be a valuable resource for needy locals, offering a bag of groceries for just $20. But according to Daniel Hayes, Community Chaplain with Anglicare and Assistant at the Glen Innes Anglican Church, the pantry is about more than affordable food.
“We’re not just trying to give things away, we want to build relationships and create a welcoming space,” Mr Hayes said.
“The pantry is a place where people can come, have a cuppa, and chat while they wait their turn to get groceries. It’s about connection as much as it is about cost-of-living support.”
There are no eligibility requirements. For a flat $20 contribution, visitors receive a reusable Anglicare-branded shopping bag which they can fill with a range of non-perishable staples like rice, pasta, tea, coffee, canned goods, long-life milk, and even essential household items like cleaning products and toiletries.
“The aim is for people to have a sense of dignity and choice. They can select that suits their needs,” Mr Hayes said.
“Some items have quantity limits per bag to keep things fair, but overall, it’s up to the individual what goes in.”
The pantry operates in partnership with Anglicare, which supplies the stock at a fraction of normal retail cost thanks to its charitable purchasing arrangements. Stock is ordered online and varies each fortnight depending on availability.
The initiative was inspired by similar successful programs in Tamworth and Boggabri and had been in the works locally since late last year.
“We started talking seriously about it in November or December,” Mr Hayes said.
“It’s still early days for us, but we know from other towns that it starts small and grows as word spreads.”
Only a handful of people came through the doors for the first few sessions, but the team is confident participation will grow.
“We’ve had great support from volunteers already,” Mr Hayes said.
“If that continues, we hope to move to a weekly model next year.”
Pantry days are listed on posters around town and outside the church hall. Flyers with full date listings are handed out to attendees, and upcoming sessions can also be found on the Glen Innes Anglican Church Facebook page.
“The idea is to offer consistent, reliable support and something people can count on,” Mr Hayes said. “We want everyone to know they’re welcome.”
For more information, visit the Glen Innes Anglican Church Facebook page or drop by the church hall to pick up a flyer.
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