Help to stock pantry shelves

WITH many families under financial pressure, those behind the Linton Emergency Relief Pantry are seeking community assistance.

Co-coordinator Kylie Turville said the group continues to be well-supported but has noticed a greater uptake of the service in recent weeks, and the shelves have had less stock.

“Some of our regular donors have found it much more difficult to give have that spare bit of cash, or donate some goods, and there are more people requiring support with interest rate and cost of living rises,” she said.

“The pantry is one of those things that is really needed right now.”

The pantry shelves require personal hygiene items like shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and other toiletries.

“Some items of food you can buy quite cheaply but personal hygiene products, like deodorant and tampons, are often quite a bit more expensive,” Ms Turville said.

“We also need the common things like milk, soups, and spreads, and items that have a long shelf life.

“Pasta and cheap pasta sauces are always good. Protein is important, and tinned tuna can give people a good meal, offer a bit of variety, and nutrition.”

The Linton Emergency Relief Pantry is based at the community hub, it’s open Friday to Monday for donations and pick-ups, and is accessible by a private door.

Donations of bread are received fortnightly, and Ms Turville said the committee would welcome other partnerships.

“If businesses want to sponsor the pantry, or help in some way, we’d be very open to that,” she said.

“Any small thing can make a big difference to someone who is struggling.”