Anglicare Richmond Community Pantry offering low-cost groceries to help community

From 10am until 2pm on Wednesdays, Hawkesbury locals can pick-up a bag of groceries from the store’s Community Pantry for a $10 donation (limit two bags per customer per visit), without having to show a Centrelink card.

According to shop manager Bronwyn Ashcroft, customers can choose from a selection of groceries to fill-up a generously-sized Anglicare bag, which could cost up to $50 elsewhere.

“We realise it’s tough times so you don’t have to show a card or anything - it’s really just to supplement incomes as we realise everyone’s doing it tough,” she said.

The Community Pantry has been running since February 14, and Ms Ashcroft said it has been “very successful” so far.

“I would love to put it on as a permanent thing, as there’s definitely a need in Richmond,” she said.

“It’s a hand-up, not a hand-out. One fellow came in with $10 worth of change and was able to purchase a bag of groceries and he took great pride in that.”

The selection of groceries changes depending on what’s available from charity Food Barn, but the pantry always has staples including breakfast cereal, long-life milk, and tinned goods like spaghetti.

When the Gazette visited, there was a wide variety of additional items including baby formula, stir-fry kits, casserole bases, tinned peas, fruit tubs, drinks, granola, and snack foods.

“The atmosphere’s been great. So come down and help your local community, as the money we take in the shop goes back into welfare for the community,” said Ms Ashcroft.

Community Pantries like this are currently operating in eight Anglicare shops around Sydney, and Anglicare said over 1000 grocery bags had been sold.

Shoppers do not need to register, however they are encouraged to fill-out a simple survey which will help determine whether the Pantry will be permanent. 

This may determine whether your local pantry will be permanent.

Anglicare Richmond is located at 231 Windsor Street. The team is currently preparing for its Winter Appeal, and is accepting monetary donations in-store.