Byron Community Pantry Supports the Most Vulnerable
Ianna Murray, Case Worker at the Byron Community Centre (BCC)
By Kate Love
Food Outreach for Locals in Need
The Byron Community Centre has always been for me the beating heart of our Shire. For as long as I can remember, the Centre has been looking after the Byron community, and providing vital services like Liberation Larder. Now, during this challenging time of COVID-19 crisis when many locals have lost their jobs, support services offered by the Centre are more important than ever.
Without performances, films and events at the Byron Theatre and the Byron Markets closed down, funds have been drying up. We can all help to support the most vulnerable in our community at this difficult time by donating to the Centre. In return, they are providing lifesaving services including shelter, food and showers to locals doing it tough.
The Byron Community Pantry is helping provide and deliver food boxes to locals in need who can’t shop or afford to buy groceries. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, meals given out by the Byron Community Centre have doubled. Currently, they deliver 500 meals weekly through the Byron Community Pantry, while Liberation Larder are giving out 400 weekly meals.
The majority of people asking for help are international students who are unable to travel home and workers who are unable to access any government support. The Byron Community Pantry will need to extend well beyond COVID-19 closedowns as the Centre expects the impact in our community to last for years. And they need your help to support the community!
We spoke to Annett Welss from the Byron Community Centre about their services supporting Byron locals in need and how you can help.
Essential Services for the Byron Shire
The Byron Community Centre has been closed for the public for the last two months with all its activities and events on hold. The Byron Theatre and the Byron Markets are also paused which affects the Byron Community Centre severely since the Centre operates as a not-for-profit social enterprise and funds raised through the theatre (ticket sales) and the markets (stallholder fees) are used to run essential support services.
Despite the Centre being closed for the public, we still offer our essential community services to support vulnerable community members. Please see below for an overview of our services. Thanks to a generous donation, we're able to offer the following additional support services: free phone counselling and a food outreach service, the Byron Community Pantry.
Currently, we're asking the community to donate to the Byron Community Pantry. The Byron Community Pantry works in collaboration with Liberation Larder and responds to the urgent need to support vulnerable community members who are financially and physically unable to shop due to the current COVID-19 crisis.
The present health crisis with its new regulations and restrictions left many Byron Shire residents without a job, and the necessary income to support themselves or their families. As a result, the demand for essential services to help with meals and groceries has drastically increased. In its first week, the Byron Community Pantry provided 300 meals alone.
Help Us Help Locals in Need
We have received generous financial contributions for the Byron Community Pantry, but these donations will only stretch so far to help meet the exponential demand we are experiencing right now. We are concerned that we will run out of goods and won’t be able to help the most vulnerable community members when they need our support most. That’s why we are asking for financial contributions from our community to help us help locals in need.
How to Make a Donation
People can donate through the Byron Community Centre website. The Centre uses 20% of every donation for admin costs (staff/insurance/computers/building/utilities/etc.); all donations are tax-deductible.
Food boxes are divided into 3 categories: small ( 1 adult), medium ( 2 adults or 1 adult + 1 child) and large (family 2 adults + 2-3 children). Each box includes staples, cooked meals and fresh produce; plus an allowance for extras (such as toiletries) and they are valued as follows: small box $100, medium box $170, large box $250.
Additional Support Services
Showers
Monday and Wednesday from 10-12 at the Byron Community Cabin
Homeless Breakfast
Wednesday and Friday, 7.30-9 Fletcher St Kitchen
Byron Community Pantry
Call Byron Community Pantry for food delivery within the Byron Shire Monday-Friday 10am - 4pm on 0482787552. Food Parcels are delivered to anyone who cannot physically or financially shop.
Free Phone Counselling for Byron Shire Residents
Call 0415 322 064 10am - 2pm Monday - Friday to make an appointment.
Takeaway Meals
Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday - Fletcher St, Kitchen
Liberation Larder
Monday & Thursday 10am - 1.30pm
If you can, please support the Byron Community Panty with a financial donation. With your help, the Byron Community Centre will be able to purchase necessary items like fruit and vegetables, staples (muesli/tinned goods/pasta) and personal care items.
Thank you very much for your support!
All donations are tax-deductible, 20% of every donation is used for administration costs.