Picton’s Community Pantry Success Story

In 2024, St Mark's Anglican Church in Picton stepped up to meet a growing community need by launching a Church Community Pantry in partnership with Anglicare. What began as a local initiative, driven by a dedicated team and a shared heart for service, has now blossomed into something even greater. Since last year, Picton has evolved from a Church Community Pantry to a "Mobile" Community Pantry this year, where one of our Anglicare Outreach Workers visits each fortnight with a stocked van.

The success of Picton's Community Pantry hasn't happened overnight. Instead, it has been built on strong foundations, a committed team of local leaders, Michelle and Geoff, who have brought passion, professionalism, and deep care to the ministry. Michelle and Geoff have taken the time to visit other Anglicare Mobile Community Pantry churches, asked insightful questions, and developed a thoughtful approach to operations.

From day one, they have carefully matched volunteer roles with people's skills and availability, fostering a team that is confident and engaged.

The church has also partnered with the local Rotary Club, whose five or so volunteers have become instrumental in both running the pantry and promoting it across town. With flyers in local businesses, word-of-mouth in the town centre, and community connections leveraged by Rotary, the pantry has quickly become a well-known and well-loved part of Picton life!

Donations have begun to pour in, from the church congregation, from Rotary, and even from others in the community who are eager to help. The response has been overwhelming and has affirmed the importance of this ministry.

But the greatest fruit of all has been the spiritual connections. For example, one pantry shopper has begun attending a Thursday bible study group, while another has joined the Sunday congregation on a regular basis.

These beautiful moments of transformation remind us that the Community Pantry is more than just a place to get food, it's a place where people find hope, community, and the love of Christ.

Aaron Li 
Community Pantry Team Leader

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