A community pantry is planned for St Georges Uniting Church Hall, Chandos St, Eden. The aim is to have construction completed and ready for operation mid-2018. The pantry will provide a limited range of basic grocery items for free or at minimal cost. 

The hall is currently used each week for community lunches and distribution of donated foods, in addition to other regular church and community functions. It is proposed to extend food-related  services to current participants and other locals by opening a community pantry one day per week. The stock of items will be from local sources and FoodBank in Sydney. These items would be redistributed to individuals and other local not-for-profit groups who become members of the Eden community pantry organisation. 

Organisers were excited to receive funding for the proposed extension from a Family and Community Services NSW Social Housing Community Improvement Fund grant.

Funding for the access ramp and deck to the front of the hall and an upgrade of the toilets will be provided by a Bega Valley Shire Council access improvement grant as part of providing inclusive settings throughout the shire. The extension to the hall would be one room of 27 square metres and an access deck.

This project is supported by the Uniting Church in Australia and is part of the local congregation’s initiative to connect and serve its community.

The project is linked with other Far South Coast support organisations such as OzHarvest, Sapphire Community Pantry and the Social Justice Advocates of the Sapphire Coast. This project has been inspired by the success of the Sapphire Community Pantry in Bega and welcomes the sharing of their experiences. Have a look at their FaceBook page for inspiration.

Eden community volunteers and other local participants have contributed to the planning and accumulating of resources and it is hoped that further volunteers will be engaged as the project develops.  

Inquiries can be directed to the organising committee via 6496 2501.