Community Pantry trial underway in Civic Square
Published on 30 July 2024
A new community pantry installed in Civic Square this week has already started receiving donations of nonperishable items, and the Launceston community is 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 nonperishable 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 stoked the community pantry had already begun receiving donations, and said he hoped to see more donations in the coming weeks.
"We had the pantry installed first thing yesterday morning and by early afternoon we were already seeing items being donated," Mayor Garwood said.
"That's a really great result and I'm hopeful that throughout the trial the community will demonstrate that a community pantry in our CBD is something that will be supported, respected and cared for.
"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.
"Coming from a community initiative, 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."