What’s The People’s Pantry?
The People’s Pantry helps to address food insecurity for residents across south east Sydney. The community-led service is run by South Eastern Community Connect at 1007 Botany Rd, Mascot in Sydney and powered by a crew of volunteers.
200 households currently access The People’s Pantry per week. Of this number, 130 people access it every week. 20% of those who access it are young families in crisis.
We rely on food rescue organisations such as Oz Harvest and Gift of Bread to donate weekly supplies of bread, fruit & vegetables, non-perishable essentials and more. Plus we also receive regular donations of pet food and supplies from ARC (Animal Rescue Collective) and sanitary and cleaning products from Good 360.
We welcome both food and financials donations from community members. For food donations, please message hubadmin@secc.sydney or call 7903 0607. Deliveries can be dropped off Monday to Friday from 9.30-4.30pm at SECC Community Hub, 1007 Botany Rd, Mascot.
HOW IT WORKS
Grab your food & essentials at:
SECC People’s Pantry
1007 Botany Rd, Mascot
Monday to Friday
1pm – 4pm
Who can access it?
Anyone from these LGAs:
- Bayside
- City of Sydney
- Randwick
- Woollahra
- Waverley
What we need from you
First time at the Pantry?
You’ll need proof-of-income (aged care, disability, carer pension, or Centrelink concession card) to access food from SECC.
We’ll also ask you to fill out an enrolment form with your details.
What you get
Select a combination of canned and packaged food such as:
- fresh bread
- fruits and vegetables
- cereal and rolled oats
- pasta and cooking sauce
- canned fruit, soup, beans and vegetables
- snacks
- pet food
- baby items
All subject to availability.
Client Story: Anastacia
Anastacia has three gorgeous girls, ranging from three to 13. Her family began struggling financially when her husband became ill and couldn’t work.
Sadly, Anastacia’s husband died suddenly of a heart attack in 2022, putting the family under more strain.
Thankfully, SECC was there to help Anastacia and her family through this difficult time.
SECC is asking for community support to ensure more women like Anastacia can access food for their children in times of hardship.
With community support, there will be food in the pantry when Anastacia and others like her need it.
We’re asking the community to give what they can to help families and individuals facing the worst cost of living crisis we’ve faced in decades. So no child goes hungry tonight.
OUR IMPACT
Locals access The People’s Pantry for food support and social connection.
We welcome every guest with a smile and a cuppa.
households currently access The People's Pantry
people access it every week
per cent of those who access it are young families in crisis
Volunteer Story: David
Working as a volunteer at The People’s Pantry has been a life-changer for me. It’s helped me turn my life around. I feel like I am a valued member of the community and it has given me a real sense of purpose in life.
In my volunteer work, I’m helping vulnerable clients and families who are struggling in hardship.
I understand what it’s like to be in hardship. It’s something I can relate to.
It’s always a good feeling to know you’ve helped someone in need and to see them walk away with a smile on their face. There was even one time, when I served a new client at the pantry and she ended up crying with tears of joy. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.
The work we do at the Pantry makes a big difference.
Help Us Fill Our Pantry
DONATIONS
DROP-OFFs
SECC Community Hub
1007 Botany Rd, Mascot 2020
HOURS
Mondays to Fridays
9.30am to 4pm
ORDER ONLINE
Order online via Coles or Woolworths and have groceries delivered to SECC Community Hub 1007 Botany Rd, Mascot (tel 02 7903 0607)
PREFER TO DONATE MONEY?
If you’d like to pledge a monthly amount, donate online today.
CONTACT
Phone: 02 7903 0607
Email: thepeoplespantry@secc.sydney
Instagram: @thepeoplespantrysydney
Address: The SECC Hub, 1007 Botany Rd, Mascot NSW 2020