Anglicare Sydney in partnership with Central Villages Anglican Church Lawson has opened a new Mobile Community Pantry in the Mid Mountains area. Once every four weeks, a van drives up to the church at 13 Honour Ave, Lawson to distribute affordable fresh food to those who need to stretch their budget further.
For a $2 contribution, people on a Health Care, Immigration or Pension card can take home a bag of fresh fruits, vegetables and bread.
According to Tom Melbourne, Senior Minister at Central Villages Anglican Church Lawson, “We're caring in this way because food really matters, and so does community. Everybody needs a helping hand at some point in their life, and we want to be there for people in the Mountains who could use a bunch of fresh food.”
“With the high cost of rent and electricity bills, many people are finding it difficult to put food on the table. By saving on the cost of food, it will help people pay other essential items like rent, electricity and water bills,” says Matt Madigan, Anglicare's Mobile Community Pantry manager.
“It may also come in handy when unexpected events, such as a sudden hospital visit or car breakdown, can impact the weekly budget.”
For Tom, the pantry is more than just a means to distribute food to people who may desperately need it.
“We hope that, firstly, people who would otherwise have to go without delicious fresh food will be able to access some!
“But also, that people will know that they are cared for, that they are not forgotten. Jesus teaches us that every person matters to God, and so we want to do our little bit to show that reality.”
Media contact: publicaffairs@anglicare.org.au