Anglicare Sydney in partnership with St Johns Park Anglican Church has opened a new Mobile Community Pantry. Once a fortnight, a van drives up to the church at 73 Edensor Park, St Johns Park to distribute affordable fresh food to those who need to stretch their budget further.
For a $10 contribution, people on a Health Care, Immigration or Pension card can take home more than $60 worth of pantry items. People are limited to two large grocery bags of food.
“We are grateful for the partnership with St Johns Park Anglican Church. People struggling with low incomes in the area are now able to get assistance through this program because of their support.
“With high rents and utility bills, all it takes is an unexpected expense, like a car breakdown or an illness in the family, to push the family budget to breaking point. Many face difficult choices as they work out what they can go without.
“The mobile community pantry will be able to provide affordable food for people who find themselves in that position,” says Matt Madigan, Anglicare's Mobile Community Pantry manager.
According to Bob Murray, organiser of the Mobile Community Pantry at St Johns Park Anglican Church, “We want to care for the community for those who need assistance with food and social needs.
“There are many in our community who are finding times tough and difficult to handle. We as a church want to show love and concern for these people through the MCP and by building relationships with those who attend.”
“It is a way for the church to assist the community with food and social activity; to meet people, share their concerns and introduce the love of Jesus.
“We want to show people that our church is a community safe location and that we are here to help those who need our assistance.”
Media contact: publicaffairs@anglicare.org.au