The weekly Monday Foodbank Mobile Pantry began for the first time in the shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale this week, becoming a rapid and larger-than-life success.
After discussions earlier this year between the Serpentine Jarrahdale Community Resource Centre (SJCRC) and Foodbank WA to get a referral service in the shire, the Mobile Pantry was introduced after more than six months of collaboration between the two entities.
SJCRC coordinator Jane Lean said there was a variety of offerings at the initial Mobile Pantry, which allowed locals to access affordable household items.
“This was the most outstanding success as a first time Foodbank Mobile Pantry launch,” she said.
“We had people waiting in the carpark for the truck to arrive. It was so anticipated, and many people turned up so impressed at the variety of offerings, the long shelf life of fresh produce and products, and the dignity given to the community in this service which allowed them to shop for their individual personal needs.
“There were six trestle tables of top-quality stock and heavily reduced prices on top of the frozen foods.
“Everyone was beyond impressed at this amazing service for the community.”
Usually, a referral would be needed to access to Foodbank’s services, but with the growing number of Aussies doing it tough, Ms Lean said they would be accommodated.
“We had people turn up in genuine need that didn’t have a Foodbank referral, but that was no problems,” she said.
“Just pop inside and we will fix that within a few minutes, and you can shop today.
“All demographics of the community attended that were in need of food relief at heavily discounted prices.
“We expect this is going to grow even bigger every week with attendees, and we are so honoured to be able to help our community members in need to free up funds for daily essentials.”
Ms Lean credited the introduction of local Foodbank resources – which could previously only be accessed in Pinjarra or Armadale – to Foodbank WA’s agencies relationship manager Candice Long.
“I have worked in the not-for-profit industry for 15 years and I don’t come across people so driven to perfectly execute something like Candice,” Ms Lean said.
“Candice even advised she had packed the Foodbank van herself that day with assistance to ensure the offerings for the community were at the standard she expected.
“Candice advised the turnout today for a first-time launch was outstanding for a first time Foodbank launch and it shows the real need that their research was telling them for the community of SJ Shire. The variety of stock will change each week depending on availability but there is so much care and dignity in the variety they do have to make available to the community.”
Residents can locate the Foodbank Mobile Pantry every Monday morning between nine and 10 in the SJCRC car park.
