Celebrating one year of Community Support, Compassion and Growth Urunga Community Pantry Inc – Shop 7, 6-8 Bowra Street, Urunga
Urunga Community Pantry Inc. proudly marks its first anniversary, celebrating twelve months of dedicated service, community generosity and steady growth. Since opening its doors on 26 May 2026 – following eight months of planning, preparation and volunteer commitment – the Pantry has become a trusted support hub for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity and financial hardship.
The Pantry’s journey began in September 2025 with the application for Not-For-Profit Charity status and deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) certification. The process was detailed and demanding, but volunteers continued laying the foundations for future operations while the paperwork progressed.
In October 2025, the Pantry secured a Bellingen Council Community Grant to repaint the premises, install shelving for fresh produce and pantry staples, and purchase an EPOS machine with a cash drawer. This vital support enabled the Pantry to move forward with confidence, and the team extends its sincere gratitude to Bellingen Council for recognizing the importance of this community service.
With painting completed and shelving installed, the Pantry held a “soft opening” on 9th October 2025. Stock was limited due to certification still being processed, but the community stepped in with overwhelming generosity. Oz Harvest, local businesses and residents donated fresh produce, pantry staples and financial contributions. Several businesses even held fundraisers to help source additional supplies from Fresh & Save, Grafton, twice monthly. The kindness shown during this period laid the foundation for the Pantry’s future success.
In February 2026, Urunga Community Pantry received its official Not-For-Profit and DGR Certification, unlocking new opportunities. Approval from FoodBank followed in April, allowing the Pantry to place its first major order. Shelves were fully stocked and visitors responded with enthusiasm, grateful for the expanded range and reliability of support.
Supporting Pets – recognizing that pets are often silent victims when families face hardship, the Pantry has made pet support a central focus. Pet Food and essential supplies are now part of the assistance offered, ensuring no companion animal is left behind.
A Year of Growth – Visitor numbers have grown significantly over the past year, reflecting both rising need and the Pantry’s reputation for compassion, dignity and practical support. The Pantry operates every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, with Founder and President Annie also making herself available outside shop hours for those unable to travel during opening times.
A major milestone this year has been the establishment of a new partnership with the Woolworths food diversion programe, Woolworths Nambucca. Urunga Community Pantry is the only Charity in the region supported through their food distribution mission. Frozen meals and other frozen goods are regularly distributed to families and elderly residents and individuals in need.
To accommodate this increased volume, the Pantry applied for a Qantas Regional Grant to purchase a large upright freezer. The Grant was successful and the new freezer has streamlined operations, replacing the smaller unit previously used, and ensuring safe storage of the growing supply of frozen food. Included in the Grant application was a laptop, a necessity for placing orders with Foodbank tracking sales and purchases and food distribution, through the implementation of spreadsheets. These two assets have proved invaluable in the organization of the Urunga Community Pantry.
Our Values – Urunga Community Pantry exists to provide tangible, practical support to individuals and families facing food insecurity and financial stress. Our guiding principles are:
• Community first
• Compassion and Dignity
• Sustainability
• Transparency and trust
WE’RE BETTER TOGETHER –
The Pantry is independent of any political party or religion and welcomes all visitors from all walks of life. Every person is treated with respect in a judgment free environment.
Guided by a dedicated management committee and an expanding team of volunteers, the Pantry is committed to compassion, dignity, sustainability and transparency as it enters its second year of service.
As Christmas approaches, we begin the important work of ensuring that no family feels forgotten during the festive season.
The Pantry’s 1st Anniversary celebration will be a soiree for businesses and community members who wish to support our “Christmas Hamper” drive through donations. Our mission is to provide “traditional style” hampers filled with fresh festive items, all chosen to help families feel special and cared for on Christmas Day. Urunga Pharmacy and Ocean View Hotel are co-joining with the Pantry and will provide “Giving Trees” so that each family receiving a hamper will also receive gifts from the “Giving Trees”.
