A community pantry was recently installed in Milton, in the carpark between the Project Bruce hub and Tokomairiro Waiora buildings.
Local groups Tokomairiro Waiora Inc., Milton Lions Club NZ, Project Bruce and the Milton Community Shed came together to create the pantry where people can drop off food and pick food up, similar to a swapping pantry.
The idea came about after the Milton Community Shed members had created a similar pantry for the Taieri Mouth area, which had been successful.
People can use the facility at any time and "take what you need, give what you can," according to Project Bruce’s Kim Schiller.
"It is a fantastic idea which has been co-funded and built by the community, for the community," she said.
"This is a place for the community to share food items, surplus garden produce and Hub Free-Market groceries outside of opening hours."
She said the pantry had had plenty of use since it was installed.
The pantry cost about $2500 plus extra volunteering work to get it up and running.
"Items like seeds, preserves, fruits and vegetables and bread can all be dropped off or collected."
"It will be an asset for our community, as it provides another avenue for people who may need some help with the odd grocery item here and there.
"The pantry has had a pretty awesome response here in Milton, so we’re excited people have another way to access food in times like these, where it is getting harder to afford a lot of things."
