Tucked in the corner of a picnic shelter near Stockton Beach, a small cupboard is having a remarkable impact on those going without.
Stocked with food and hygiene supplies, The Little Free Pantry is an initiative providing an answer to a growing problem in Stockton.
Started by Rachel Towns, it’s a shame-free space for people who are hungry to turn to.
Rachel works at a Psychiatric Emergency Care Centre and knows all too well how much support some people need.
“The idea popped into my head because when residents are admitted to where I work, we have to go through their property,” she explained.
“One patient, all he had was a folded piece of paper of where to go for hot meals.
“It had lots of suburbs on it but Stockton wasn’t included, so there was nowhere for people to go.
“It went straight to my heart and I knew I wanted to do something.”
It was the beginning of the pandemic when Rachel set up The Little Free Pantry.
Before too long, the community started to rally behind the project, donating goods and spreading the word that it was there for anyone who needed it.
“I was hoping people would notice it and support it but I didn’t want to advertise it because of the shame that is attached to need,” she said.
“So the ripple effect has been overwhelming, it’s beautiful.”
Fast forward a year – and it’s truly been embraced.
Residents regularly donate goods and let Rachel and Priscilla Chapman know when it is empty.
Priscilla got involved with the project after stumbling across the pantry.
She wondered who had started it and that’s when she met Rachel.
As a social worker, Priscilla is hoping the pantry can transform into something bigger.
“There are not enough support services available in Stockton and the demand is really high,” she said.
“It’s a whole community approach, which is fantastic, but I feel like the need is growing.
“This is not a permanent solution, we need to link those people to the right services so they can get support.
“The demand for a community hub is also really great, so it would be wonderful if [City of Newcastle] could help us come up with something.
“We need to get some kind of counselling service in and somewhere we can store the pantry safely.
“We could then offer a referral service and link people up with other organisations.”
The project is gaining traction, landing some support from Kind Endorsed.
“Kind Endorsed are an organisation that promotes kindness and they do a lot of sponsorship for projects throughout Australia,” Priscilla said.
“They were looking for 500 people, organisations or projects that were the kindest in Australia and we were lucky enough to be selected.”
Anyone is welcome to drop items off at The Little Free Pantry, which is located near Lyn Oval and Lexie’s on the Beach.
Items, the pair suggest donating, include canned food, nut mixes, protein bars, fruit and vegetables, soups, cereal, boxed meals, long life milk, pet food, sunscreen, deodorant, baby wipes, toilet paper, cleaning products, and first aid supplies.
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