Connecting People through the Glen Innes Community Pantry 

In May, Anglicare opened its newest Community Pantry at Glen Innes Anglican Church. Nestled in the picturesque Northern Tablelands of New England North West, Glen Innes is a parish and town with a close-knit population of around 6,200 people.

The Glen Innes Community Pantry, which first opened its doors on 12 May and operates fortnightly, offers locals the opportunity to fill a full bag of groceries for just $20. But the heart of the program lies not simply in affordable food, it lies in the welcoming connections that form along the way.

"We're not just trying to give things away," says Daniel Hayes, Anglicare Community Chaplain and Assistant at Glen Innes Anglican Church.

"We want to build relationships and create a welcoming space. The Pantry is a place where people can come, have a cuppa, and chat while they wait their turn."

"It's about connection as much as it is about cost-of-living support."

There are no eligibility requirements to access the Pantry, and every visitor receives a bag to fill with staples like rice, pasta, tea, coffee, canned goods, long-life milk, cleaning supplies, and toiletries.

"The aim is for people to have a sense of dignity and choice," Daniel explains.

"Shoppers can select anything that suits their needs."

Above: Daniel Hayes, Community Chaplain pictured at the Glen Innes Community Pantry

The Glen Innes Community Pantry was inspired by successful Anglicare Community Pantries in Tamworth and Boggabri and had been in the works since late last year.

"We started talking seriously about it in November or December," Daniel shares.

"It's still early days for us, but we know from other towns that it starts small and grows as word spreads."

In its first few sessions, only a handful of people have come through the doors, but that hasn't discouraged the team.

"We've already had great support from volunteers," says Daniel. "If that continues, we hope to move to a weekly model next year."

Earlier in 2024, Anglicare opened its most distant Community Pantry in Boggabri, 463 kilometres northwest of Sydney. Run in partnership with Boggabri Community Church, the Boggabri Pantry provides vital outreach to the town's 800 residents. 

 
Above (left to right): Jo Gilham, Volunteer Coordinator and Fran Jackson, at the Boggabri Community Pantry 

"Anglicare is delighted to support Glen Innes Anglican Church in reaching out to their local community through the Community Pantry," says Claire Dunlop, Head of Region for Anglicare New England North West.

"They have the space and volunteers, and we're bringing the resources and expertise to make it happen. The Community Pantry will provide more than just food, it will offer pastoral and spiritual support as well."

Anglicare Community Pantries are run in partnership with local churches across Greater Sydney, the Illawarra, and New England North West. Find one near you or learn more about how they work.