Wallington’s pantry officially opens

A NEW Wallington business has launched on the back of an impromptu yet successful initiative sparked by the coronavirus pandemic.

Rory Campbell, grandson of family business Wallington’s WRG and founder of WLP, has pride and passion for the region he calls home, and when the opportunity arose in June to assist local producers and his community through the lockdown conditions, he sprang into action.

With parent brand Wallington’s WRG classed as an “essential business” and able to remain open for trade, this meant Mr Campbell and his team could set up a table at the checkout of his family’s store.

The table boasted a collection of locally-made condiments, baked bread, coffee, oils and sauces, fresh flowers, fruit and vegetables – items Wallington’s WRG do not usually stock.

At the time, Mr Campbell said the lockdown was an opportune time to use the Wallington’s WRG space.

“It dawned on us that we could be a place where people could buy things they need without having to go to the supermarket.

“We started thinking about all the local producers in the area and how they lost their route to market because of the coronavirus.

“Many of them were selling to cafes and restaurants throughout the region as well as markets but they’ve shut down too.

“We pride ourselves on being a community store so thought we’d reach out and let them know we’ve got the space.”

With these flying out the door at a rapid rate, Mr Campbell knew there was something more to make of the “support local” concept, so the simple table of local produce has turned into Wallington’s Local Pantry – its own brand and “store within a store”, stocking more than 40 local brands from farmers and producers on the Bellarine.

Wallington’s Local Pantry held its official launch earlier this month.

The business is at 370 Grubb Road (inside the Wallington’s WRG store), Wallington.

Follow them on Instagram at @wallingtonslocalpantry.