Based at Arawang Anglican Church in the ACT, the Arawang Emergency Relief Hub is an entirely volunteer-run food pantry on the front line of the cost of living crisis. The team of volunteers, most of whom are members of the Arawang Anglican parish, generously give of their time and energy to support a growing number of vulnerable families and individuals.
“It is about more than just food,” said Anglicare’s Emergency Relief Coordinator for the ACT, Rachael Tscharke. “Though the food is absolutely essential. For some of our clients, the fresh produce they receive here will be the most nutritious food they have all month. But, we are also here for connection. We aim to sit down with clients and have a cup of tea and a biscuit. By having conversations we can discover other ways to help.”
This connecting with community members is a highlight for many volunteers. “I really enjoy making a difference in someone’s day”, said one volunteer. “Through a smile of greeting you see people start to feel at ease. While they are here, they know they don’t have to worry.”
Similarly, connection between clients is an important aspect of the Arawang pantry. “Clients don’t just interact with us, explained Lynne, who volunteers on Mondays. “They get to know each other and are building a community, which then helps increase their emotional resilience”.
For Lynne, the process of caring compassionately for others has also made her feel closer to her faith. “As a Christian”, she said, “being involved with the food pantry has deepened my connection to that community.”
Lately, however, there has been less time for tea and biscuits. The cost of living crisis, which is disproportionately impacting vulnerable families and individuals, is also impacting Emergency Relief Hubs like the one at Arawang. Many food pantries are struggling to maintain stock, with some recently reaching their lowest levels in three years.
It is a challenge for a food pantry that relies on donations for around 90% of the food and toiletries they provide. “We are seeing more than double the clients we saw this time last year,” said Rachael. “Often there are 6 or so waiting at the door before opening, and our cupboards are empty at the end of the day”.
Rachael is worried about the impact of such high and constant demand on often elderly volunteers. “I get concerned for the health and safety of the volunteers,” she said. “They are a dedicated group, but unsurprisingly, some are starting to feel the constant physical and emotional pressure of helping so many in need”.
Some of the Arawang volunteer team have taken a break from certain duties, or requested fewer hours. Which is something Rachael encourages, “It allows them to continue helping to the best of their capacity, while remaining fit and healthy”, she said. “There are a variety of roles that volunteers can help with, and we are happy to find a role to suit everyone”.
In fact, the Arawang pantry, which is open once a week on Monday mornings, recently found important roles for a new set of volunteers. A collaboration with SecondBite, which provides access to fresh fruit and veggies, meant volunteers were needed for regular Friday collections. This was an opportunity for individuals who were not available on Mondays to get involved. Likewise, others find time to collect donations of pet food from ARC Companion Animal Rescue Food Program, which is an essential item for families and individuals who rely on the companionship of their beloved pets.
The reach of such a small, volunteer-run pantry is impressive. On a given Monday their efforts regularly assist more than 50 individuals, and their pets. Despite the high volume of need, the Arawang volunteers remain passionate about what they are doing. “The people that come to us all have their own stories”, said one volunteer, “but they are always grateful. They are grateful for everything”.
Rachael, the Arawang Anglican Church, and all of Anglicare are also grateful—for the dedicated efforts of this committed team of volunteers and the difference they are making in the community. The positive impact they create in the lives of vulnerable families and individuals is immeasurable.
If you are interested in volunteering or donating to the Arawang Food Pantry or Anglicare, call 02 6232 2488 or visit www.anglicare.com.au
