Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Photo credit: Victoria Velton
The first Ingham Food Pantry has received a strong response from the local community, with 40 grocery boxes almost completely distributed within the first 40 minutes of opening.
The initiative, supported by ADRA and delivered with the help of OzHarvest, Thread Together and Foodbank and Pantry teams from Charters Towers and Townsville, provided locals and their families with affordable grocery boxes alongside free fruit, vegetables and drinks. Household goods, toys and brand-new clothing were also available.
Vibrant and cheerful volunteers from the local host church helped manage the steady stream of visitors, welcoming and helping those who attended.
By Victoria Velton
The first Ingham Food Pantry has shown just how much demand there is for affordable groceries and household essentials, selling 40 boxes in just 40 minutes.
Supported by ADRA and delivered in partnership with OzHarvest, Thread Together, Foodbank and Pantry teams from Charters Towers and Townsville, the initiative gave locals access to a box of grocery staples for $25, along with additional free drinks, fruit and vegetables.
Visitors could also choose from household items including sheets and towels and toys available for $2 or free, while brand new clothing was freely available through their partnership with Thread Together.
ADRA Director Pastor Laufili said the pantry volunteers were delighted to support their local community this way.
“The whole idea is we're here simply just to respond to the need of our community,” Pastor Laufili said.
The response was immediate, with a line already stretching down the lawn when the doors opened at 9am.
By 9.40am, the initial 40 grocery boxes were almost gone, with just five remaining, while volunteers continued assisting people arriving later in the morning with the other available groceries, drinks, fresh produce, clothing and household items.
“It’s an exciting thing for this small church that they can provide such a service with our partnership and their support,” Pastor Laufili said.
Volunteers from the church helped manage the steady stream of visitors, including carrying grocery boxes and loading them into vehicles.
The strong turnout also provided the team with a valuable impression of local demand, with plans already being considered to increase the number of grocery boxes available at future pantry events.
Pastor Laufili said the first event had been a positive trial run.
With the support of its community and partner organisations, the Ingham Food Pantry is now looking towards its next opportunity to provide assistance to local families.
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