By Alesha Capone
An early childhood education service in Wyndham has set up a community pantry to help residents doing it tough.
The Nido Early School Wyndham Vale pantry enable people in the community to access free, non-perishable food to feed their family.
The Nido centre’s early learning director, Julie Trembath, said the community pantry was set up in February or March this year.
“Obviously it’s been a challenging year with COVID and as a part of our sustainability and development program we wanted to give back to the community,” Mrs Trembath said.
She said the motto of the pantry was: “Take what you need and leave what you can”.
Mrs Trembath said anyone living in the area who is finding it hard to make ends meet was able to access the community pantry.
“If they’re needing something then they’re welcome to come in,” she said.
Mr Trembath said that during the two pandemic lockdowns, the Nido centre held events such as virtual storytimes to help children remain connected to the community.
Mrs Trembath said the centre also installed a large rainbow artwork in its window, as part a rainbow trail in the Jubilee estate.
She said the display included teddy bears and storybooks collected by children who attend the centre.
Mrs Trembath said many of these ideas came from the Facebook page for Jubilee residents.
The community pantry is at 9 Welcome Parade.
