By Alesha Capone
Pantries, shelves and tables loaded with food are popping up at residential properties across Wyndham to help vulnerable people.
The “community pantries” are being set up as part of the grassroots Pataka Movement Melbourne.
The pantries are usually set up in front of houses, garages or community centres, with people welcome to donate food and take goods if they need to.
Wyndham residents Gayle Crawford and Hollie Smith, who are both originally from Aotearoa (New Zealand), said the Pataka Movement began in their home country to help community members, including those who fell through the gaps in the welfare system.
Ms Smith said that after she moved to Melbourne, one day she was cleaning out her fridge and pantry, and posted on social media pages to ask if anyone needed food.
“That day I received over 200 messages asking for what I had, and that’s when I knew that this (the Pataka Movement) needs to be here too,” she said.
The women said they feel there is a “massive need” for the community pantries, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ms Smith and Ms Crawford said around 50 Pakata (pantries) have been set up across Melbourne and Geelong, and as far away of Warrnambool and Darley.
They are hoping to organise a total of 100 community pantries across the state, and have set up a Facebook group for those who are interested in helping out.
Ms Smith and Ms Crawford said there was “no judgement” of people who took food from the pantries.
“This is by the people for the people,” Ms Crawford said.
“We don’t want anyone to ever be shy to come by and pick up some Kai (food) for them and their family, or reach out to us, we want to feed Victorians because we believe that no-one should ever have to go hungry.”
Eliza Radovanovich, who has set up a community pantry in Manor Lakes, said it was “heartwarming” to see families come with their children to put food in the pantry.
“Unlike other food services, there are no forms to fill out, no judgement and you can take what you need as opposed to being given a box of food that is unable to be used for many reasons e.g dietary restrictions, allergies, religious purposes,” she said.
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