Kids helping their town

Free Little Pantry opens up at Dartmoor Primary

The community of Dartmoor now has access to their own Little Free Pantry, thanks to the efforts of Dartmoor Primary School.

This pantry marks the ninth addition to the Glenelg Shire’s network of free pantries and is available 24/7 to anyone who needs it.

The students, led by Principal Gillian Bull, spent their first day back setting up the pantry and were instructed on how to restock it and monitor the use-by dates of the items.

“Each student also contributed an item to the pantry before creating posters to advertise its availability around town,” Ms Bull said.

The Dartmoor Primary School hopes that the Little Free Pantry will provide essential support to those who are struggling in the community.

“We are really looking forward to being able to help out our community,” Ms Bull said. United Way Glenelg executive officer Nicole Carr said the Little Free Pantries presents an excellent opportunity for educators to engage with children on the topic of food insecurity.

“A 2021 Foodbank Australia report indicates that 2 in 5 Australian children go hungry, with some children missing at least one meal a week.”

When discussing this topic with children, Ms Carr recommends using simple language. “Food insecurity means not having access to enough food that’s affordable, nutritious, and suitable,” she said.

Parents and educators can also use a practical approach by taking children to the supermarket and teaching them about food availability, food costs, access, and budgeting. It is also important to discuss the differences between cheap, processed foods and fresh, healthy produce in terms of nutritional value and price.

The pantry was constructed by Heywood Men’s Shed and painted by local artist Gene Stewart who created a desert scene using bright and colourful paints.

The LFP program is coordinated by United Way Glenelg.

Everyone is invited to place or take goods from inside the box as they please or need.

People requiring food, crisis & supported accommodation can visit Salvation Army, 33 Henty Street Portland or call (03)5521 8134 and St Vincent de Paul’s, 32 McPherson St Casterton Wed – Fri 10am – 4pm Sat 10am – 12noon or telephone (03)5581 2161.