Crossroads Community Care at Miranda has launched a new food bank and pantry service in response to the soaring demand for emergency relief by shire families.
The food pantry service has located at Crossroads’ new premises at 51 Kiora Road, Miranda and is open Wednesdays and Thursdays or by appointment.
Crossroads spokeswoman, Lisa Lewis said the food pantry is a direct response to the continued defunding of emergency relief in Sutherland Shire.
“There are now only a handful of free local pantry services available in Sutherland Shire and the only other weekly service in Miranda provided by Southside Care,” Lisa said.
“From our direct interactions with the local community who are in need and struggling we know many don’t even have the funds to travel locally in order to collect food items.”
The food pantry is made possible by The Second Bites Program which provides a service linking up charities with local Coles stores who will then donate food each week which is about to be thrown out due to ‘best before’ and ‘sell by’ dates.
Crossroads is also the charitable recipient of the Return and Earn recycling scheme to further top up the pantry.
“We have set up our food pantry service to be available Wednesdays and Thursday between 2.30pm and 3.30pm," Lisa said.
“The food pantry is also available by appointment 10am to 3pm, Monday to Friday for anyone in need in the community.”
Crossroads also aims to provide support services that offer community members the opportunity to gain information, access services and support groups through the centre.
Crossroads Community Care Inc, is a registered charity funded by Family and Community Services to provide families and individuals in the local community with support.
Crossroads is also a registered community housing provider.
Details: Lisa Lewis at 9525 3790.
