South Aucklanders band together to feed the needy with free food pantries

Wednesday, 15 August 2018

Free food that is fresh and nutritious, and available for the most vulnerable in the community.

That's the vision behind the free food pantries that are popping up around south Auckland. 

Swanie Nelson, who is behind the movement, says the community have banded together to address a long time need. 

'I knew of a lot of people that were struggling financially and to access our local resources,' she says.

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'So, I decided to eliminate those barriers like transport and the shame behind entering some places, and bring it directly on the street where no form filling was needed.'

The first free food pantry was opened in Cooper Crescent, Ōtara on August 1, 2018.

There are seven others operating in Ōtara, Māngere and Manurewa, with an aim for at least 20 around south Auckland by the end of the month.

Nelson says those in need can access the stands 24/7 and not engage with people if they didn't want to.

The pantries are sustained by already existing resources in local streets or topped up by other groups or organisations.

'It's important to recognise that some residents are afraid or ashamed to access some of the services. Providing a free open street, no form filling and non manned pantries spread out around suburbs can mitigate some of those fears and ultimately get food into the hands of those who need it.'

Each pantry has a kaitiaki, or guardian, who will regularly check the foods and compost it if it need be.

She says they welcome food donations.  Fruits and vegetables have a high turn over, eggs and baked items are fine as long as they are dated when put in the pantry.

Among items not welcome on the stands are milk, cheese, frozen foods, hot meals and clothes.

Leading the pantries in Māngere, Mia King says this initiative is about 'more than just food … it's about connecting neighbours, sharing resources'.

'There's a lot of commuting gardens and we'll be asking if there's any produce they can offload.'

In the pipeline is a total of 30 pantries spanning across Papatoetoe, Ōtāhuhu, Papakura, Onehunga and Panmure.