FEATURE - Everything Good Community Pantry

Donating to a community pantry is a powerful and simple way to help support your community. While the Hinterland has many of these available, we wanted to hear more about a little hidden gem that is treasured and supported by the local Glass House and Beerwah communities.

By Angela Reedman-Polinski

If you’ve been to the Everything Good shop on Steve Irwin Way at Glass House Mountains, you know you will encounter a wide variety of local fresh produce, friendly staff smiles, and a bustling trail of shoppers with baskets of goodies.

You might not have noticed the community pantry as you were leaving the store. The pantry is a tall fridge cabinet stocked with fresh fruits, vegetables, and canned goods available to anyone in need. 

For individuals and families facing food insecurity, the community pantry serves as an essential resource, helping to ensure they have access to safe and nutritious food for themselves and their loved ones.

Owner and manager, Neil Federer, shares how he and his team have seen the community pantry grow from strength to strength in the past two years and have enjoyed seeing the support it provides.

“When we began the community pantry, we wanted to remove barriers for families and people who need food now. It’s as simple as people with extra pantry items they know they won't use, dropping them off to be used by someone who really needs them right now.

“We have gratefully received donations from other local community support groups in the area and have frozen meals that we keep stored in our freezer for collection.

“This is an easy and great way to support people facing tough times in our local area. Instead of perfectly good food ending up in a landfill, it goes to someone who can use it. Providing support doesn’t have to be complicated; it just has to be done.

“Unlike some traditional food aid programs, our community pantry operates on a ‘take what you need, leave what you can’ philosophy, which preserves privacy. There are no questions asked, no eligibility requirements, and no stigma.”

“People who need the pantry items can find a diverse range of food items, from fresh fruits and vegetables to canned goods, offering choice and healthy options. We add Fto the pantry daily, and we match the regular customer cash donations we receive, dollar for dollar, to keep the fridge stocked and ready.”

The community pantry is conveniently located at the front outside the shop and remains accessible to the community 24/7, making food available whenever it's needed. 

“This is a crucial point for us in offering this service without barriers like shop operating hours. I wanted to make it easy and convenient for individuals and businesses to drop off donations and collect food without procedures.

“People who need it can pick up food after a night shift, during the evening or early morning hours, as well as in regular daylight hours. There is no restriction or need to ask, it’s here to help.”

Neil says he has found it interesting that the very presence of a community pantry serves as a visible reminder for everyone that comes to the shop of the issues of cost-of-living difficulties and food waste.

“It encourages people to be mindful of their food use and prompts a shift towards compassionate giving. Knowing that your food is helping someone in need provides a strong sense of satisfaction in community collaboration, and it fosters a sense of connection with the wider community.

“The team and I see people arrive and bring bags and boxes of food, stock it up and head off again. These donations come from private homes, businesses and companies; whoever has surplus to donate that day.

Neil says he and his team try to do their part in supporting and building the community in many ways. In December, they also offer a number of Christmas hampers for families in need to ease the financial burden. These are advertised in December on their notice board by the road.“

The feedback on these family hampers has been warmly received, as we hear what a difference they have made to the families that needed them. That’s why we keep doing it - it helps people in a tight spot and we have all been there before.

“Food sustainability isn't just about the environmental impact; it's also about ensuring everyone has access to nutritious food. This can be the hardest part, actually receiving what you need.”Beyond the food itself, the community pantry represents a network of mutual aid and support, demonstrating that neighbours care for one another.

“I'm proud to see that this simple community pantry that my team and I have created has developed an active, ongoing cycle of nourishment and support. It benefits everyone involved and goes toward building a strong, resilient community.

“Thank you to everyone who contributes, including my amazing team and customers who add out of their own pockets often. We are collectively proud of the community pantry and the ongoing impact we are making in our local community, and welcome you to contribute or receive from it as needed.”

You can visit Neil and the team at Everything Good at 1094 Steve Irwin Way, Glass House Mountains, and see their extensive range of fresh, seasonal produce from local farmers. The community pantry is available 24/7 at the front of the shop for your donations and collections.