10/04/2026
Such a great start 🙌
We loved being part of the Margaret River Pantry launch — everything ran smoothly, and the atmosphere was amazing.
It was incredible to see so many people come together to make it all happen.
This is only the beginning, and we’re excited to see it grow ✨
THIS Friday April 10 represents a significant day in the operations of the Margaret River Community Pantry, as it will be the first Friday Pantry Day held at their new location in the yellow church hall at 28 Tunbridge Street.
When the Shire announced renovations were imminent to the site at the old wool shed on Clarke Road, the Pantry Committee prioritised finding a new site to ensure operations continued.
While several sites were investigated, the yellow Baptist church hall was a clear favourite.
The site is centrally located and easy for many patrons to access; it is opposite the community centre and like-minded services; and for the first time in the Pantry's history allows for all operations to occur inside a weather-proof, pleasant internal space.
"We feel very lucky and grateful to Jared Murtha and the Church's Board who were incredibly accommodating to our needs to ensure our vital service continues to operate'', Terri Sharpe, Pantry Deputy Chair said.
Jared Murtha, Pastor at the Margaret River Baptist Church, was optimistic a partnership could be forged between the two organisations.
He, and the Church he serves, view the Pantry as an essential charity providing community care in Margaret River.
Having established themselves in 2019 as a group of dedicated volunteers and suppliers serving the community, the Pantry has a proven track record in continuing care and commitment to the welfare of the town.
Jared said the church was delighted to support the Pantry's work and to put their own facilities to further use.
"We have loved the opportunity to connect with volunteers who run the Pantry and to hear of their dedication to our town and those experiencing food insecurity," he said.
"It is not an easy time to make ends meet and it brings me great hope and joy as a Pastor to have this opportunity to support the Margaret River Community Pantry going forward."
The Pantry offers supermarket and local small business rescue food and donated fresh and dry goods to the community via a 'give what you can, receive what you need' arrangement.
They also accept community donations on-site Thursday and Friday mornings from 9 to 10am. Every cent raised goes back into the running of the not-for-profit service.
While $10 is the suggested donation for a bag full of fruit, veg, and dry goods, patrons donate what they can.
Sometimes that's less than $10, sometimes that's more.
Thanks to the generous support of local businesses like Settlers Tavern, a solid supply of staples including rice, pasta, and tinned fish can be offered to patrons every week.
"Having these items regularly on hand makes a huge difference to our service," Terri said.
Pantry donation baskets are located in every supermarket, allowing shoppers to add an item or two for the community.
As the cold weather fast approaches, the Pantry is particularly seeking boxed cereals, bags of rolled oats, tinned goods like soups and legumes, canned fruit and veg, and jars of pasta sauce.
Tax-deductible monetary donations can be made via the Pantry's website, and a sponsorship scheme is now available where local businesses can contribute to the running costs of the Pantry.
The popular Pantry picker service is continuing, where local volunteers visit properties and pick for the Pantry, giving back to the owner a percentage of the produce and distributing the remainder to the community.
"If you don't have the time to pick produce yourself, please get in touch," Terri said.
"Every piece of fruit or veg that rots on the ground could otherwise be feeding someone in our community.
"Any amount - large or small - makes a difference."
If you're interested in supporting any Pantry initiative, please call 0448 717 098.
This Friday Pantry Day at 10am, and all future Fridays, will be held at 28 Tunbridge Street.
Pantry volunteers and Coordinator Yanloi Mak look forward to seeing old and new faces at the new location. All are welcome.
