In the heart of Wynnum, St Pete’s Pantry has grown into a vibrant community hub offering wraparound services for people doing it tough. What began as a small shelf stocked with basic tinned food has transformed into a centre that provides free food hampers, a breakfast club, housing and placement support, free haircuts, a thrift shop, and even access to showers and laundry facilities. But above all, St Pete’s Pantry is a welcoming place where people can find comfort, connection, and a supportive community.

Rhonda, the Pantry Coordinator, explains that the team puts careful thought into the food they provide. “ We give that out with pasta, pasta sauce and more so they can make a full meal.”

On Monday mornings, the hall comes alive with the smell of toasted sandwiches and freshly brewed tea and coffee for the weekly breakfast club. Around 40 to 50 people gather, not just for a meal, but also to access other essential services and connect with one another. Food hampers are then available on Mondays and Wednesdays, ensuring people leave with more than just food – they leave with a sense of care.

Rhonda describes how they tailor their support to meet the unique challenges of their community. “ We’re interested in the basics. We give out a meal here on a Monday, which is breakfast. After that Monday and Wednesday, we hand out food parcels. There’s cans of baked beans, cans of spaghetti, little tins of tuna and things like that. Things that people who are living on the street can open like a rip top can. We can give them sausages that they can cook on the barbecue.”

But food is only part of the story. With housing in short supply and the rising cost of electricity and rent, many locals are struggling to make ends meet. “ There are other people here that have got their own units, but they just can’t afford to pay electricity, their rent and feed themselves properly,” Rhonda shares. 

The pantry supports people from Acacia Ridge, Yarrabilba, Sunnybank, Marsden, and surrounding areas. Many are refugees or people new to the country, while others are experiencing homelessness or struggling despite having jobs. “We have refugees, we have some homeless people, and we have also people with jobs that come here. Also, people who don’t have a permanent visa here and are not allowed to work. Lots of different people can come to the pantry,” Mali said.

Mali has seen the power of choice in creating dignity for people who visit his pantry. “If you just make a box and you give to them. Maybe there’s some stuff that they do eat and some they will not eat. Then they will throw it away. But if they can choose what they want, what is halal for them and other people, that benefits the rest of the community.” 

For the past 12 years, Mali has been a constant source of support and kindness at Evangelical Mission for Salvation International (EMSINT). Nearly 150 people visit him each day, with more than 1,600 families registered to access the pantry. Supported by four dedicated volunteers, Mali has created a safe and welcoming space for families in need.

Every week, Mali makes multiple trips to Foodbank Queensland’s Food Distribution Centre to collect nutritious fruit, vegetable and pantry items. It’s a visit that sets the pace for his entire day. “The first group of people, they come and wait for me in the morning,” he shared. After a short break in the middle of the day, the pantry is bustling again with families arriving after school pick-up. 

Through their membership, families can visit the EMSINT pantry to access free fruit and vegetables, fresh bread, and a low-cost range of pantry items. This model has not only helped stretch tight budgets but has also given families choice and dignity. “The thing that is very, very important is the veggies, bread, and fruit, because it is free. That is because I pick it up for free from Foodbank,” Mali explained. 

The pantry supports people from Acacia Ridge, Yarrabilba, Sunnybank, Marsden, and surrounding areas. Many are refugees or people new to the country, while others are experiencing homelessness or struggling despite having jobs. “We have refugees, we have some homeless people, and we have also people with jobs that come here. Also, people who don’t have a permanent visa here and are not allowed to work. Lots of different people can come to the pantry,” Mali said.

Mali has seen the power of choice in creating dignity for people who visit his pantry. “If you just make a box and you give to them. Maybe there’s some stuff that they do eat and some they will not eat. Then they will throw it away. But if they can choose what they want, what is halal for them and other people, that benefits the rest of the community.” 

For Mali, this work is not just a role, it’s a calling. As a Pastor, he has always felt deeply committed to serving others. “If I don’t do this, I can’t do anything else. I have done this all my life, even in Africa before coming to Australia.”

His entire community relies on his weekly collections from Foodbank Queensland. “I only collect from Foodbank, I don’t have any other suppliers or collections. So if I miss my pick up from Foodbank, then the community misses out,” he said. “If I don’t have Foodbank, all of these people who come, they will leave with no food.”

Mali’s dedication and tireless efforts ensure that families across the community not only receive the food they need but also the dignity, care and respect they deserve. 

Each morning at Kelso State School begins with the smell of toast in the air and the sound of children preparing for a successful day of learning. It’s not just breakfast – it’s a moment of connection, pride, and purpose. In this Kelso Proud school community, breakfast is more than a meal. Every child is welcomed with a smile and access to toast in the morning and sandwiches at lunchtime, no questions asked. It’s a meaningful start to the day that draws the school closer as a community. 

“The Breakfast Club brings us together,” says Sarah, Head of Department, Curriculum. The school community meets for the morning parade – a simple but powerful routine that brings students together to practice school war cries, set expectations for safe and successful learning, and prepare for the day ahead. “The kids are given the opportunity to contribute to how they might be safe, responsible and respectful,” Sarah shares.

When students arrive at school without having had breakfast the school is able to support this through programs like Breakfast Club. “There is a need to support students who may need food throughout the day, so it’s important we have those things available,” explains Sarah. “Being able to help them to access what they need to be successful, enables students to be calm, centered and ready to learn.”

Kim, Head of Department, Student Services shared, “the school is grateful for the generous donations of food that Foodbank provides throughout the year. These donations enable us to support students, families and the wider community to access daily essentials.” 

Each morning at Kelso State School begins with the smell of toast in the air and the sound of children coming together. It’s not just breakfast – it’s a moment of connection, pride, and purpose. In this tight-knit school community, breakfast is more than a meal. Every child is welcomed with toast in the morning and sandwiches at lunchtime, no questions asked. It’s a meaningful start to the day that draws the school closer as a community.

“The toast brings us together,” says Sarah, Head of Department, Curriculum. The school community meets for the “morning parade” – a simple but powerful routine that brings students together to sing school war cries, set their intentions, and prepare for the day ahead. “The kids are given the opportunity to contribute to how they might be safe, responsible, and respectful,” Sarah shares.

Many children arrive without food, and it’s not just a morning issue. “With so many kids coming in without food, both for breakfast or for lunch, it’s important we have those things available,” explains Sarah. “For the kids to come in, full tummies ready for the day, they are excited to be part of what is going on in the classroom.”

Kim, Head of Department, Student Services shared, “if it wasn’t for the food that Foodbank provides for breakfast, some students wouldn’t come to school.”

Kingdom Makers Food Outlet has only been open since March 2023, but already it has become a cornerstone of support for people across North Lakes, Deception Bay, Rothwell, Redcliffe, Kallangur and beyond.

At its heart, Kingdom Makers is a low-cost food outlet built on the power of food rescue. Partnering with organisations like Foodbank Queensland, SecondBite and Twin Rivers Centre, the outlet rescues bread, fruit, vegetables and essential grocery items every week to make sure nothing goes to waste and everything goes back into the community.

Partnerships with organisations like Foodbank are critical to keeping their shelves stocked and their community supported. As Senior Pastor, Alexia, who runs the pantry explains: “Everyday groceries are very expensive, so I think where we can help, we will. Having partners like Foodbank is paramount to the service we provide and very much needed.”

The outlet is open Tuesday to Saturday and run almost entirely by volunteers. Together, they support hundreds of families each week – parents trying to stretch their grocery budgets, older residents looking for affordable produce and people who are jobless and facing homelessness who rely on free hampers of bread, fruit, vegetables and household essentials.

Alexia knows first-hand that everyone who walks through their doors has a different story, and that stereotypes don’t reflect the reality of today’s cost of living crisis. “We can get people coming with no shoes, unemployed people living out of their cars who need support… and then we get the families where one parent is working or both, and they come in looking for cheap meats and bulk foods to make their money go further.”

One of those volunteers is Hayley. Her journey with the pantry began during one of the hardest times in her life. After leaving a domestic violence situation, Hayley found herself isolated from her community and unsure of her future. She connected with a job provider, shared her hope to volunteer, and was directed to Kingdom Makers Food Outlet.

“It’s been the best thing for me. It helped me build myself back up again. To know that I am capable, I am worthy, I am good. This place helped me come back into who I am again,” Hayley says.

Through her volunteering, Hayley has found not only purpose but also a community. “This place is home to me, it changed my life. And I watch it changing people’s lives in here every day, helping families and kids.”

Now, Hayley is one of the friendly faces helping families when they come in to shop for affordable food. She remembers a mother of seven who told her the money she saved on groceries at the outlet meant she could do something special with her kids.

“She said, I can take my kids out because I’ve saved my money here on their food for the week. What it meant to her to be able to take her kids out and do something recreational as well as feed them… you can feel unworthy when you can’t afford to give your kids the best, but when they’re happy that’s invaluable.”

Moments like this remind Hayley why she continues to give back. “My biggest thing has been if we can help the families reduce their food bill so they can help the kids play sport or help them learn an instrument – I can’t put a price on that because I know the importance of it.”

For both Alexia and Hayley, food is the connector, but people are at the heart of everything. Every day, gratitude fills the outlet, whether it’s a simple “thank you” from someone receiving a free hamper, or the growing number of community members who choose to donate and support their purpose.

“When people start donating, I know their hearts are open and they believe in what we’re doing,” Alexia says.

Kingdom Makers Food Outlet may be built around food rescue, but its true impact is restoring dignity, building purpose, and creating a place where everyone belongs. Or as Hayley puts it: “They’re not just here for good shopping and good food, but to put a smile on their face as well and feeling good for the day. Because I don’t know what else they’re going to face when they leave.”

Since 1996, Westside Community Care has been a pillar of support for the Greater Springfield area – offering hampers, pantry items, classes, and a warm sense of connection to anyone who walks through their doors. It’s more than just a place to pick up groceries; it’s a safe space where people feel welcome and, most importantly, not alone. 

Pastor and Founder Phil Cutcliffe shared that many of the volunteers know that feeling firsthand. They once visited Westside for help themselves and now choose to give back, staying connected to the community that supported them in hard times. It’s a space built on shared experiences, where everyone is encouraged to contribute in their own way.

“We welcome the do’ers, donors and door openers to help out when they can,” Phil said. Westside Community Care encourages people to bring their talents and skills to the space and to hold new events each week to spread the word about the support they can provide.

Foodbank Queensland provides fresh fruit and vegetables to Westside Community Care, supporting them to distribute nutritious food to individuals and families. Once a week, a Westside Community Care volunteer visits the Foodbank Queensland Food Distribution Centre to collect fresh, rescued produce free of charge. This produce is then included in Westside Community Care’s hampers and pantry, helping to ensure local families have access to healthy, fresh food.

Phil is grateful for the support from Foodbank, “Foodbank makes the cost to help people a lot less. We couldn’t help our community without them.”

In May, Westside Community Care welcomed a group of volunteers from Sunny Queen Australia, including CEO, Julie Proctor – who rolled up their sleeves to support the local community. From packing hampers and helping in the pantry to cooking up bacon and egg breakfasts, the morning was full of action, teamwork and heartfelt conversations. 

For many years, Foodbank Queensland has proudly supported the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in their mission to help Queenslanders in need. Through our partnership, we provide food and essential groceries to 16 ADRA locations across the state, enabling their dedicated teams to deliver vital support to individuals and families doing it tough.

Every Friday, the ADRA Townsville team opens its doors for a weekly community pantry – supporting more than 800 people with food relief and kindness. But their work doesn’t stop at food. They’ve expanded to offer a full suite of wraparound services, including haircuts with Hair Aid, social work support, Orange Sky Laundry, RSPCA services, an op shop and Clothing To The Community through Thread Together, and even a book exchange. Their holistic approach creates a safe and welcoming space for people doing it tough. 

Since opening in November 2023, The Street University in Townsville has provided a safe, supportive space for more than 1,000 young people under the age of 25. Operated by the Teff Noffs Foundation and funded by Youth Justice, the service supports a wide range of young people. All are welcome, from those involved in the justice and child safety systems to those experiencing mental health challenges, homelessness, or social isolation. The Street University Coordinator, Scotty shared, “to see these kids come into the space and know that it’s somewhere safe where they can get a feed, use a computer, they can have a chat with a counselor or just kick back and feel completely safe and not have to worry about anything. It’s something special.”

Food plays a central role in the support provided at The Street University. The on-site kitchen is open daily, with freshly cooked meals available for young people to eat on-site or take home to their families. The service also distributes food hampers to young people in need, including young parents and larger family groups living under the same roof.

Initially operating with a $250 grocery budget, staff quickly found the demand far exceeded what they could supply. With support from Foodbank Queensland, the program was able to expand its food offerings. The donated food is used for daily meals, cooking workshops, and emergency hampers. “It was great to have Foodbank jump on board and give us the donation to use on more food,” Scotty said.

Inside, the space is a hub of activity and connection. A basketball court, stage, gaming and music rooms, counsellors’ offices and more. At the heart is the kitchen, led by the beloved Simone. The fridge and freezer are always stocked with pre-made meals, available for young people to enjoy anytime. Scotty shared that, “food is such a massive drawcard for these kids. They all love food.”

Cooking also provides an informal setting for young people to discuss their challenges and access additional support services, such as counselling or case management. The kids come over and ask Simone what she is cooking. She extends an invitation to lend a hand. “Not one of them has said no,” says Scotty. “It also opens up a line of communication for these young people to be a little bit vulnerable and let us know what’s going on in their life, which helps us then bring the counsellor down.”

One recent workshop saw 26 young people participate in baking apple pies. Weekly activities also include a Friday night basketball program followed by a barbecue, often cooking over 70 sausages for attendees.

Food hampers have become an essential part of how The Street University supports young people and their families. The team is able to prepare and deliver hampers filled with nutritious pantry-staple items and fresh produce. The impact of those food hampers runs deep. Scotty shared the story of a young couple, “they are 17 and 18 who have a six-week-old baby. We have given hampers to them over the past couple of weeks, which has helped them tremendously.”

Another family of six siblings regularly visits the centre. With close relationships with their extended family, The Street University will drop off food hampers. Scotty explained, “when we’re going there and we’re dropping off these big food hampers for them, just the smiles and the thank you – it almost brings a tear to your eye knowing how much they actually appreciate it.”

With around 70% of participants identifying as Indigenous Australian, the space is grounded in cultural connection too, with local Elders regularly engaging with young people.

“Having organisations like Foodbank Queensland come to Townsville is needed more and more. It will definitely help the community knowing that there are organisations out there that want to help.”

The service continues to adapt to the needs of the young people who use it, regularly updating its workshops and group sessions based on their feedback. Through consistent access to food, meaningful engagement, and trusted support, The Street University is helping young people across Townsville build stability and confidence. 

Tucked away in the tropical town of Tully, two hours north of Townsville, is Mackay’s Marketing. This fourth-generation family farming business is a proud supporter of Foodbank Queensland. Their farms produce a variety of fresh produce including bananas, avocados, and papaya, grown across several sites in Far North Queensland.

During a recent visit, the Mackay’s team welcomed Foodbank Queensland into their Tully office, proudly sharing a map of their many farms scattered throughout the region. It is a wonderful snapshot of just how deeply their roots run in the Far North. 

At their banana farm in northern Queensland, the growers work tirelessly to produce one of Australia’s most iconic fruits. Banana farming is still a remarkably hands-on process, with each bunch carefully harvested by hand. In northern Queensland, the growers also contend with tough conditions like cyclones, making banana farming a truly resilient trade. Banana plants are made up of 80% water, and each tree produces only one bunch in its lifetime – just one of many surprising facts behind this labour-intensive trade.

“Providing fresh bananas to Foodbank Queensland is one way we can give back to the community. We’re proud to help ensure Queensland families have access to healthy, nourishing food when they need it most.” – Nicholas Mackay, Mackays Marketing

Mackay’s bananas are purchased by Foodbank Queensland at growing cost to help supply fresh fruit to the School Breakfast Programs, which provides a nutritious breakfast to students who might otherwise start the day hungry.

Feeding kids provides so much more than just a meal. With a full tummy, children are better able to concentrate, participate in class, and enjoy improved learning outcomes and overall wellbeing. Each week, Foodbank’s School Breakfast Program helps over 400 Queensland schools offer cereal, milk, bread and fresh fruit, like Mackay’s bananas, to 50,000 children who would otherwise go without. 

According to Suki O’Dea, Community Programs Coordinator at Nexus Care: 

“Every week without fail, one of the admin staff from a primary school tells me their students say the Foodbank bananas are the best they’ve ever tasted. And they are very adamant about that – nothing tastes better than a Foodbank banana!” 

We are grateful for the support of Mackay’s Marketing, and to partner with them to provide fresh, nutritious produce to Queensland kids. This produce plays a vital role in helping children across the state start their day with the nourishment they need to learn, grow and thrive.     

What began as a small community centre in Townsville has grown into a vibrant hub for food, connections and opportunity. Community Gro is a safe, welcoming place for families and individuals doing it tough, offering support and connection when it’s needed most.

With fresh and frozen meals, pantry staples, a small op shop, and a variety of other donated essentials, everything donated is given back to the community at no cost. Community Gro provides help for people at every stage of their journey. Whether someone needs a hot meal or a listening ear, there’s always help, and a warm welcome, waiting side.

A key part of the centre’s offering is their ready-made, low-cost frozen meals, which anyone can purchase. Every dollar made from these meals is reinvested into buying more ingredients to cook even more meals — creating a cycle of support that the whole community gets behind. Volunteers, staff, and locals come together in the kitchen, turning compassion into action. 

Thanks to support from Foodbank Queensland, Community Gro has been able to purchase essential items that are often harder to come by — including meat, eggs, and fresh produce.

“We have been able to purchase more food for our community with the support of Foodbank,” says Colleen, Manager at the Garbutt Community Centre.

Beyond food, Community Gro is transforming lives through wrap-around services, offering financial resilience, support groups, educational classes and other support services. Their Youth Hub is also thriving, with over 100 kids regularly participating in cooking classes, homework help, and fun activities like fishing. 

Looking ahead, Community Gro is working towards developing a supported alternative learning centre — another step in their efforts to uplift and empower the diverse Townsville community.

From meals to mentorship, Community Gro is more than a food hub — it’s a place of possibility.