Vani

As the cost of living makes it harder than ever for singles, couples and families to make ends meet, food pantries across Canberra are working hard to help keep food on the table. Food pantries provide free or low-cost food and essential items to anyone who is struggling to afford them, whether it be for the long-term or just for now. To help increase awareness of this vital community service, the Communities at Work pantries took the time to share their story and experiences.

The rising cost of rent, fuel, interest rates and other necessities is creating situations where people must choose between buying food and meeting other financial responsibilities, such as paying bills. In the past year alone, 12,500 Canberrans ran out of food and could not afford to buy more. Record numbers of people in our community are going hungry for the first time, and help is available thanks to Canberra’s food pantries. Food pantries provide low-cost and free food items to anyone that needs them. To find out more, we spoke to the UCX Food Pantry, located at the University of Canberra (UC).

Food pantries provide low-cost and free food and other household items to their local community. Yet food relief is just part of the picture. These welcoming hubs also provide vital social support; a place where people from all walks of life can come together as a community to share understanding, knowledge and support. A shining example is Holy Cross Tuckerbox (HCT) Food Pantry.