customer visits
Food, Dignity and Connection
The Social Impact of Anglicare's Community Pantry
Celebrating 10 years of the Community Pantry
Anglicare's Community Pantry supports people experiencing hardship with affordable food, dignity and connection. From a single Mobile Community Pantry pilot, the program has grown to more than 60 services across churches, Op Shops and community locations.
The 2025 Social Impact Report recognises the impact made possible by our donors and volunteers across NSW.
2025 in Numbers
25,400
28,800
affordable pantry &
fruit/veg bags
sold
630
volunteers
supporting the
Pantry
Our Impact on Customers
Food Security and Sustainability
Customers are experiencing improved food security through access to affordable food, enabling more regular and healthier eating habits.
96%said the Pantry had reduced their concerns
about having enough food for their household
Now I'm having three meals a day… I can eat every day now instead of going without food.
(Daniel, Customer)
Financial Resilience
Customers are experiencing reduced financial stress and improved ability to manage household budgets because pantry food and essentials lower weekly costs.
97%said the Pantry made it easier to manage
their household budgets
It's got us into better [shopping] habits. I'm more aware of costs now... I've changed my shopping ways.
(Evie, Customer)
Community Connection
Customers are feeling more connected to their community and are building positive social relationships through welcoming interactions at the Pantry.
98%felt more connected to others
in their local community
They are friends I can rely on. When I went to my home country, they told me they would pick me up from the airport ... You can see they make me feel like I’m not alone
(Isha, Customer)
Access to Support and Spiritual Care
Through the Community Pantry, people are gaining greater awareness of Anglicare support services and opportunities to explore faith, connect with church activities and receive spiritual care.
65%reported being more aware of
Anglicare financial services
46%had taken part in another church activity
since coming to the Pantry
Impact Story
The Greenacre Community Pantry
"Sometimes people will come for the community morning tea without realising there are low-cost groceries available too. As we’ve seen the connections that people are making with each other, we’ve realised how important these are."
Our Impact on Volunteers and Churches
The Community Pantry is built on the commitment of parishes and volunteers. Many volunteers shared that their involvement benefits both their church communities and their own wellbeing.
88%said the Pantry had a positive impact on their church congregation
86%felt more connected to others in their local community
79%reported a deeper understanding of their church's mission
71%reported a stronger purpose or meaning in life through their volunteering
"I think the pantry has given our church a profile, that we're a church that cares. It's not just the people using the service, it's allowed people to see this church is concerned for people's practical needs."
(Felix, Volunteer)
The Community Pantry supports people with reliable food access, reduced financial stress and stronger community connection, while creating pathways to longer-term support through church communities. To continue this impact, we rely on your support.
Join us in supporting the Community Pantry:
Prayer
Your support through prayer is vital to all we do at Anglicare. You can download our 2026 prayer diary from:
Financial giving
The Community Pantry is made possible through the generosity of donors. Your support helps provide affordable food and connection for people facing hardship.
Food collection
Host a food collection and help supply the Community Pantry with essential food. To access our resources, please visit:
The Social Impact of Anglicare’s Community Pantry report 2025
Food, Dignity and Connection
Anglicare acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the original and ongoing custodians of the lands and waters on which we live and work.
Inspired by the gospel of reconciliation in Jesus Christ, Anglicare's vision for reconciliation is a nation in which Australia's First Peoples are restored in dignity, respect, empowerment and opportunity.
Inspired by the gospel of reconciliation in Jesus Christ, Anglicare's vision for reconciliation is a nation in which Australia's First Peoples are restored in dignity, respect, empowerment and opportunity.