North Ryde’s Community Pantry is Compassionately Revitalising Christian Community

The vision of North Ryde Uniting Church is to be a “Compassionate, revitalizing Christian Community”. A recent initiative in response to this aspiration is their Community Pantry, complemented by a monthly meal shared with nearby neighbours in the Beatrice Street  social housing complex.

The North Ryde Community Pantry was established in August 2024 following the closure of North Ryde Community Aid, now known as Baptist Aged Care, which had been meeting the needs of the local community for many years.  

Weekly grocery expenses place a strain on the budgets of many people in our community. The Community Pantry offers emergency food assistance to help their clients save on groceries, thereby easing their financial burdens and allowing more funds for other necessities.         

To mark the festive season, clients were offered a Christmas Day Lunch package consisting of wholesome food, treats and decorations for their Christmas table, together with two weeks’ supply of groceries. Thirty-seven individuals and families were welcomed to the Pantry which provided meals for 70 adults and 25 children  In addition, 95 bags of food were distributed.

North Ryde Uniting Church Community Pantry is grateful for the support of the local IGA Ritchies supermarket for their generous donations together with those of their customers. Also acknowledged are the contributions of local organisations and many individuals. While clients of the Pantry are choosing their groceries, they are warmly welcomed by the Pantry team and are offered refreshments and the opportunity to have a chat as well as to spend quiet time in the adjoining church.

Marilyn Grant           

For More Information 

Visit the North Ryde Uniting Church website.