Taking care of the community

New FREE pantry installed ready to support those doing it tough

Kalbarri Kindergarten is the latest educational setting to have a little FREE pantry installed.

The pantry will service the Portland North community for those individuals and families doing it tough.

Located at the front of the Kindergarten in Mitchell Crescent, the pantry will be managed under the stewardship of Kalbarri Kindergarten staff and families.

Pantry staples, pet food and hygiene items will be available at different times.

United Way Glenelg executive officer Nicole Carr said while some items may not always be available, they’re grateful for the support they receive in the way of donations.

“Our partnership with Warrnambool and District Foodshare means pantry staples such as baked beans, spaghetti, soup, and muesli bars are available at all times,” Mrs Carr said.

“Keeping food up to the pantries can be challenging when the demand is so great.

“Last year we received 1062 kgs of food. This year we have already surpassed this weight in food.”

The pantries offer a great educational opportunity to talk to children about food insecurity. According to a 2021 Foodbank Australia report, 2 in 5 children go hungry in Australia with some children going a whole day without eating at least once a week.

When approaching this topic with children a great way is to explain it in simple terms.

Explaining food insecurity means living without reliable access to enough food that’s affordable, nutritious, and appropriate. That there are a lot of kids in Australia who often miss meals and feel hungry. Children may not notice this about their friends, but if they do, they should tell a grown-up.

You can also get practical by visiting the supermarket with your children and teaching some lessons about food availability, the cost of food, access to food, and budgeting. While you’re there, discuss the differences in price and nutritional value of cheap, processed food, and healthy, fresh produce.

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 is coordinated by United Way Glenelg and funded with a grant from Glenelg Shire Council and the Victorian State Government.

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

If you wish to donate, simply purchase one of the following items [making sure all items are non- perishable, unopened & within best- before/use-by-date] and place it in the pantry.

PANTRY ITEMS

• Long-life milk & fruit-juice (200mL & 1L)
• Rice, pasta, pasta sauce
• Non-perishable meat (Eg Jerky, Tinned Chicken/ Tuna/ Sardines/ Spam/ Ham)
• Tinned Fruit and Vegetables
• Breakfast items (Eg Instant Oats Sachets, Kellog’s variety packs, breakfast biscuits etc)
• Peanut butter and vegemite (small plastic jars preferred)
• Sachets of Sugar, Tea & Coffee
• Snacks (Eg non-perishable dip and biscuits, salsa, muesli bars, multi-packs of chips/savoury biscuits, )
• Biscuits (Eg Salada’s, Vita Weet, breakfast biscuits)
• Feminine hygiene products
• Toiletries (Eg toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, sunscreen, combs, soap, cotton buds, body wipes, 2-in-1 shampoo/ conditioner)
• First Aid supplies (Eg travel first- aid-kits, band-aids, insect repellent, sanitiser)
• Baby supplies (Eg formula, nappies, wipes)

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

NEW PANTRY READY: Sophie & Matt Powell place some items in the new pantry located in Mitchell Crescent.