When a hungry and teary-eyed stranger asked Ali for something to eat at Belconnen Mall in early 2021, it sparked an idea that has grown into a flourishing community project.

Consumed by the chance interaction, Ali and her wife Erica discussed how COVID-19 had changed so many people’s financial situation; many who were living comfortably were now relying on help from others.

They decided to start a community pantry.

The 24/7 pantry is located outside their house on Percy Begg Circuit in Dunlop and allows locals to donate food and other items to neighbours who are down on their luck, just like the stranger in Belconnen Mall.

Image: The street pantry is made from a donated wine fridge that was refurbished over a weekend in early 2021.

Ali and Erica say the Percy Begg Pantry – which this week celebrated its first anniversary – has been embraced by the local community.

“We started by creating some social media pages and refurbishing a donated wine fridge that was destined for landfill,” Ali said.

“News quickly spread and we were already receiving donations before we officially opened on 10 February 2021.

“Since then, we have grown a really strong following and, in the thick of COVID, were filling the pantry three times a day.

“It’s great that people have this 24/7 resource that they are free to come and use. The pantry is never locked and there’s no judgement.”

Image: Ali and Erica’s garage has been turned into a production facility, where food is checked and sorted.

For community members who are doing it tough, Ali’s message is to make use of the generous donations.

“Don’t feel ashamed – we are here to help you. Everything that goes into the pantry has been donated especially for you by the people you live amongst,” Ali said.

“We have people who come under the cover of darkness, and others who leave notes or knock on the door to say thanks.

“It’s brought out the best of our community. It’s something that brings everyone together.”

How to donate

To make a donation, leave your items in the box on the porch at Ali and Erica’s house on Percy Begg Circuit in Dunlop.

While all items are checked and sorted in their garage-come-production line, here are some dos and don’ts when it comes to donating.

Do donate:

• pantry items (rice, pasta, cereal, long life milk, etc.)
• canned items (tuna, vegetables, etc.)
• drinks that don’t require refrigeration
• garden seedlings or produce
• packaged snacks (nuts, chips, biscuits, crackers, etc.)
• pet food
• baby items (food, nappies, wipes, etc.)
• toiletries (toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, sanitary items, toilet paper, etc.)

Don’t donate:

• expired food or toiletries
• opened food items
• non-food items (clothes, cooking utensils, household appliances, etc.)
• food that requires refrigeration
• homemade food and drinks

Please note that Ali and Erica also employ COVID-safe hygiene practices, wiping the pantry down with sanitiser multiple times each day.

For more information, visit the Percy Begg Pantry Facebook page.