Demand on The Little Pantry has skyrocketed thanks to increased living costs and cold weather. Manager Shannon Wood says the pantry needs community support now more than ever. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
Canberra is renowned for its freezing weather from June to August – rain, frost, snow, the nation’s capital sees it all.
As the cost of living continues to rise, many Canberrans are worried that their next energy bill could mean less money for basics once they turn their heater on.
Enter The Little Pantry, a local supplier of non-perishable foods, personal care and household items that can be accessed for free by those in need.
Winter is the pantry’s busiest time of year. Demand for emergency food relief often doubles, thanks to the inevitable rise in energy bills.
Shannon Wood oversees The Little Pantry from its home at Woden Community Service (WCS). She also looks after WCS’s Community Assistance and Support program.
“It’s a big job to generate, coordinate and manage all the donations that help feed between 50 and 100 people every month,” Shannon says.
“Winter is hard for low-income households. Last season we welcomed over 130 people through our doors, and given how high financial insecurity is this year, we expect to see even more.
“Imagine you are budgeting hard and getting by, then the cold snap hits and you have to decide whether to turn on the heater or feed your family. Nobody should face the cold alone.”
Community donations will allow WCS to stock their pantry to meet increasing demands on the service over winter. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
WCS hosts a number of community programs ranging from child and aged care to youth engagement and NDIS services. The organisation started The Little Pantry in 2014, stepping up to amend a lack of food relief in Woden and its surrounds.
“We support men, women, gender diverse people, families, individuals, students, the elderly … people from all cultural backgrounds and walks of life,” Shannon says.
“Sometimes those who come to see us haven’t had a decent meal all week. Some can’t afford nappies, wipes or formula for their baby.
“As of July we are still below 10 per cent of our $5000 goal. Community donations are crucial. They allow us to stock our pantry and connect people in need of other services like housing, mental health support and financial aid.”
WCS runs a collections stall at Westfield Woden every Friday through partner volunteers at Skipper Care, to make donating even more convenient.
“Some people find it easier to add a few items to their weekly grocery shop and drop them to us on their way home,” Shannon says.
“Be creative with your food donations! Soups and canned vegetables are amazing, but it’s always good to see some variety.
“Think about culturally diverse foods, gluten, nut and dairy free options, and staples like flour, sugar, tea and coffee, cooking oils, sauces and seasonings.”
As well as food and funds, The Little Pantry asks for personal care and household items like soap, deodorant, sanitary products, toothbrushes and toothpaste, cleaning supplies and toilet paper.
You can also organise a group donation drive through your workplace or community group. WCS can even arrange for a volunteer to collect it.
No matter how small, your contribution can make a big impact.
The 2023 Little Pantry Winter Appeal aims to raise $5000 to help stock shelves with emergency food and supplies. Find out more at Woden Community Service or contact the team directly on (02) 6282 2644. From 14 August, the Little Pantry will be at Woden Community Hub, Office Suite 003 at Westfield Woden (near Commonwealth Bank), open 9 am to 5 pm.
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