Do you remember our Community Pantries?
They’re still up and running across all of our libraries and frequently empty out.
It was all, and still is, supplied by the Centre for Participation, a not-for-profit registered charity based in Horsham that established the Wimmera Food Security Distribution Service in response to community need in the current ‘cost of living crisis’.
In November 2025 with one off funding from the Victorian Government, the Centre for Participation started a weekly delivery service to over 20 organisations across the following local government areas – West Wimmera, Hindmarsh, Horsham, Yarriambaick, Northern Grampians, Ararat and Buloke. Over the last 7 months they have supplied over 10,000kgs of donated food to people in financial hardship in partnership with local community partners.
Unfortunately, their application to the Victorian Government for another grant in 2026 was unsuccessful and they have had to rely on donations and smaller grants from from local people and service clubs.
If you are in the position to do so, the Centre for Participatton are urgently seeking donations so they can continue to offer this much needed service. In particular, to source fresh fruit and vegetables which continues to be the most difficult food items for people struggling financially.
To make a tax deductible donation, visit their website.
