New food pantry opens in Woy Woy
A new food pantry opening in Woy Woy will "work alongside" the Seventh Day Adventist food pantry and Mary Mac's Place "to meet increasing demand and to provide greater access", according to its chief executive officer.
"We provide free food as well as low cost groceries twice a week, so between all of us we are meeting the needs of community," said Ms Vivian Muraahi of Community Support and Outreach Services Central Coast.
"There's no competition.
"We are an unfunded food pantry service and at opposite sides of Woy Woy."
Ms Muraahi said the new service opened on September 4 and was located in the Yaringaa building next to Meals on Wheels in John Hoare Close, Woy Woy, near the Peninsula Community Centre.
She said the Narara-based service had been operating in Gosford and Narara for more than 50 years.
As well as the food pantry, the Peninsula service would operate a no-interest loans scheme, a financial counselling service, an energy assistance program and an "intensive youth life skills" program.
"The People's Pantry offers low-cost groceries including pantry items, frozen foods, personal care items, bread, fruit and vegetables," said Ms Muraahi.
"It is open to the public every Monday and Wednesday from 11:30am to 2:30pm.
"Membership is free and open to all.
"However, people coming to the People's Pantry for the first time must be willing to complete a customer consent form."
She said the service welcomed pantry donations Monday to Thursday between 10am and 3pm.
Ms Muraahi said the service was "actively seeking volunteers to join the team in Woy Woy" to help run the service.
"There are many ways to get involved, and you don't need a special skill set to make a meaningful impact."
She said training and support was provided for volunteers.
For further information, call the service on 4329 4477.
SOURCE:
Media release, 12 Sep 2023
Vivian Muraahi, Community SOS