A home garage in Beenleigh has become a lifeline for locals struggling to put food on the table.
The Beenleigh and Neighbours Community Pantry has operated since 2020, offering short-term food relief and practical support to people facing rising rents, unexpected bills and financial setbacks.
Founder Derby Sante said she launched the pantry after noticing people were being misled when seeking help online.
“I started seeing a lot of posts from people asking for food assistance, and unfortunately a lot of those posts were not genuine,” she said.
“So I decided to create something that was community-based and real.”
The pantry runs from Ms Sante’s garage, and is stocked entirely through donations and the sale of second-hand goods at low cost.
Proceeds are used to buy discounted groceries and fresh food that locals in need can access at the pantry.
“What I give out is only what I get in return,” she said. “If I sell something for $20, I can go and buy $20 worth of food, sausages, pasta, whatever’s on special, and restock the shelves.”
About five households access the pantry each week. Ms Sante said meal staple items, school snacks and toiletries were some of the most in demand items.
If someone needs clothing, furniture or baby formula, Ms Sante puts a call out to the community and asks for help with donations.
Ms Sante regularly puts hampers together for locals who need multiple household or food items. Last week she assembled three.
The pantry also provides Christmas hampers each year, entirely funded by community donations.
“It’s not just handing over food,” Ms Sante said. “It’s advice, information and making people feel like they belong.”
