Street pantry supports community
'This innovative project led by Mazon Australia enables immediate access to food and other essential items to those living in East St Kilda'.
MAZON Australia is spreading the love by way of groceries and toiletries to those who need it most.
The Street Pantry initiative was launched last month in conjunction with the Port Phillip Community Group (PPCG), was lovingly built by volunteers with donated materials, and encourages community members to give what they can, and take what they need.
Located in public garden space at the Alma Road Community House in St Kilda East, the project aims to engage the community to prevent and alleviate hunger for people of all faiths and backgrounds – and is much needed due to the impact of the pandemic.
“We typically support people with complex needs underpinned by poverty but now we find the newly unemployed, students, people on bridging visas and people who are falling through the cracks of assistance programs are coming to us for help,” said PPCG executive officer Karen Sait.
“This innovative project led by Mazon Australia enables immediate access to food and other essential items to those living in East St Kilda.”
Mazon chair Ellen Frajman noted, “The success and self-sustainability of the pantry is dependent on local community support – people walking their dogs and putting items into the pantry, local businesses donating products, and local schools coordinating collections.
“Ultimately the local community takes ownership of the Street Pantry, so it remains stocked, undamaged and cared for.”
To volunteer with Mazon, or to donate: mazonaustralia@gmail.com. The Street Pantry is at the Alma Road Community House garden, 200 Alma Rd, St Kilda East.
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