What is the Canberra Food Relief Network?

The Canberra Food Relief Network is a collection of food pantries, food co-ops and other relevant services that help residents within the Canberra region struggling with access to food and groceries. These pantries are run by community organisations, groups, and dedicated individuals across the ACT, with the support of VolunteeringACT.

Each food pantry works to provide a range of goods to address local needs, from non-perishables to fruit, vegetables, meat, and bread, as well as hygiene products and other daily necessities where possible.

These pantries rely upon donations to keep shelves stocked. With more people accessing food services. Food pantries need your help.

Are you a food relief service and would like to join the network? Please contact info@volunteeringact.org.au or 02 6251 4060 to know more.

How can you help?

  • Donate time: Give a few hours of your time to help out a local food pantry or relief service providers. You can find a volunteering opportunity here. 
  • Donate money: Please dig deep! Your financial donation will put food in the hands of hungry Canberrans. Every dollar is greatly appreciated – please donate today here.
  • Donate items: Please place some extra non-perishable items in your trolley and donate them directly to your community food pantry. Alternatively, visit GIVIT’s What’s needed list. 

Useful reports and resources

Info Guides

Our Info Guides provide a quick reference to key community services and answers to frequently asked questions across the Canberra region. Our Food and Groceries Relief Guide includes up to date information on free meal services, drop in centres, food vouchers and the locations of food pantries throughout the ACT.

You can download the Info Guides below or collect printed copies from our Community Info Hub.

 

Canberra Food Relief Sector Toolkit 

This toolkit has been developed by VolunteeringACT in collaboration with the Canberra Food Relief Network.

This toolkit has been created to provide ACT food relief sector organisations and their volunteers access to the information they need to enhance their operational effectiveness and increase collaboration with other food relief service providers.

Wellbeing and boundaries training videos

VolunteeringACT has prepared training on Wellbeing and Boundaries for the Food Relief Sector. The training can currently be accessed in two ways:

  • Attending an in-person session at VolunteeringACT offices on City Walk; or
  • Listening to a recorded version of the training below.

This training is available to food relief sector staff and volunteers and is not aimed at the general public.

Food Insecurity in the Canberra Region: A Strategic Picture

The rising cost of living means more people than ever are going without food in order to make ends meet. This is placing unprecedented demand on Canberra’s Food Relief Network.

A new report released in February 2025 highlights opportunities and challenges for enhancing food security in Canberra.