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Karreeta Peenyeet Mara – Portland Child and Family Complex has just installed a Little FREE Pantry to support their community by giving access to not only food\u00a0but infant supplies such as baby formula.<\/p>\n
Located at the integrated facility, the pantry will be accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will be managed under the stewardship of the staff, children, and their families.<\/p>\n
Pantry staples, pet food and hygiene items will be available at different times, but items cannot always be guaranteed.<\/p>\n
The pantries are topped up by United Way Glenelg, each\u00a0week, through a partnership with Warrnambool and District Food Share but most items will come as donations from the community.<\/p>\n
United Way Glenelg executive officer Nicole Carr said the partnership with Warrnambool and District Foodshare means pantry staples such as baked beans, spaghetti, soup, and muesli bars are available at most times.<\/p>\n
\u201cSupport from local businesses such as Harbour Lights Snack Bar who have forwarded donations made by their customers has given a greater variety in pantry options,\u201d Ms Carr said.<\/p>\n
Several other pantries are earmarked for installation in the Glenelg Shire community, one at Heywood & District Secondary College and another at Dartmoor Primary School. Once installed this will bring the total number of pantries to 10.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs the cost of living rises and the holiday season approaches, many\u00a0people are worried about how they will be able to afford to buy food and make nutritious meals,\u201d Ms carr said.<\/p>\n
\u201cFood insecurity often happens when a household needs to spend more than 25 per cent of its disposable income\u00a0on food. Some residents are managing by reducing their meal sizes, while others are going whole days without food,\u201d<\/p>\n
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Little FREE Pantry locations;<\/strong><\/p>\n – Julia Street Portland<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n\n