Okines Community House recently concluded a 10 week trial of offering a Community Pantry Pop-up at Primrose Sands to enable more people to access our food assistance program. The trial was funded by the Tasmanian Government’s Community Food Relief grant and proved a huge success!

The trial saw approximately 250 visits from community members accessing food assistance overall. Numbers steadily increased each week over the 10 weeks as word spread. A range of free food was offered weekly including fresh fruit and vegetables, bread and bakery products, pre-prepared meals and pantry items.

Survey results showed that 100% of people found the program extremely helpful with a reduction in financial stress because of the pop-up. People also reported increased social connection and shared how much they valued the chance to see and talk with other people at the pop up. Several people reported feeling isolated in the community because of a lack of private and public transport, living alone, health issues, or having caring responsibilities. Many of these factors are an ongoing barrier to accessing our Dodges Ferry Community Pantry Food Assistance Program, and 100% of people surveyed said they would continue to use the Primrose Sands pop-up if it continued.

It was wonderful to have funding to be able to start this initiative but now we need support from the community to keep it going!

One local family has generously offered to help support our food assistance program through a weekly financial contribution of $100, but we will need additional support to have enough food supplies to meet the demand.

A one off donation of $100 would allow us to provide staple ingredients for 20 people a week.

If you would prefer to make a regular smaller weekly or monthly donation, please get in touch with us at [email redacted].au or 03 6265 7016.