A new community pantry filled with non-perishable items has been made available just outside of the Gin Gin Community Hub, giving those in need access to food 24/7.
The Gin Gin Community Pantry, which was originally located inside the Hub, has provided donations of food to many individuals and families over the past few months.
Recently, with the help of the Gin Gin Men's Shed, a brand new all-weather pantry was crafted so it could be stationed outside of the hub to allow for easy access.
“The food pantry relies on community donations to provide a helping hand to those doing it tough,” Bundaberg Regional Council Community Services portfolio spokesperson Cr Tracey McPhee said.
“People can donate non-perishable items directly to the food pantry or hand them to the Neighbourhood Centre staff to be added.
“We ask the community to donate long life items, and non-perishables such as tinned food, packet pasta, rice or long-life milk etc.”
Local businesses, community groups or clubs can get on board by organising group donations to the pantry or individuals who have items to spare are encouraged to drop them in.
Cr McPhee said the initiative had been rolled out by the Gin Gin Neighbourhood Centre through the help of funding and support from other local organisations.
“The generous and talented Gin Gin Men’s Shed members created the food pantry for the Gin Gin Neighbourhood Centre initiative, which is funded by The Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy,” she said.
“Rob and Rob from the Men’s Shed have enthusiastically taken on the challenge and provided the community with beautiful craftsmanship and even colour matched it to the Community Hub logo and surrounding green space.
“They didn’t stop there and even installed a tin roof and Perspex door to protect the pantry from the elements.”
Divisional representative Cr Wayne Honor said the pantry was a fantastic addition to the Gin Gin Community Hub and praised staff at the Neighbourhood Centre and members of the Men's Shed for their involvement.
“What a great project that shows how just what can be achieved when the community comes together to help out those in need,” he said.
“This pantry promotes the message of ‘take what you need, share what you can' and will benefit so many local people.”
The Gin Gin Neighbourhood also provides financial assistance through its emergency relief program.
If you or someone you know are experiencing hardship or crisis, visit the Gin Gin Neighbourhood Centre located inside the Community Hub for advice, information, and referral.
Or you can call the Neighbourhood Centre on 4130 4630 or email ggnc@bundaberg.qld.gov.au for more information.
Other stories: Seniors lend a hand in creating Milbi Festival art
