A new community pantry installed in Civic Square this week has already started receiving donations of non-perishable items, and the Launceston community is being invited to get involved.
The City of Launceston installed the new community pantry yesterday as part of a trial which will examine
the need and community interest in the ongoing operation of a community pantry in the CBD.
It’s hoped the Civic Square community pantry will allow people experiencing food insecurity to access
products safely and freely, supported by members of the Launceston community who wish to donate non-perishable food and personal care items.
Community pantries have grown in popularity around the globe in recent years as a simple way for people to support those who may be struggling.
Items commonly donated through community pantries include packaged foods like rice, pasta and tinned
foods along with everyday necessities like hygiene and sanitary products.
City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said he was thrilled the community pantry had already begun receiving donations, and said he hoped to see more in the coming weeks.
“Throughout this trial we’ll be open to considering different locations, different storage devices, and other
variables which may have an impact on the use or sustainability of a community pantry and I’m also
looking forward to how we collaboratively and creatively dress the pantries, visually,” he said.
“I really encourage the Launceston community to get behind the trial and work with us to make this community pantry a success in aid of those who are doing it tough.”
Photo: City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood and the Council’s General Manager of Community and Place Chelsea van Riet with the new community pantry in Civic Square
