Esther Lauaki
Shelves and tables loaded with food are popping up outside homes across Brimbank for anyone in need.
The community pantries set out in Kings Park, Sunshine West, St Albans, Deer Park and Taylors Hill are part of the grassroots Pataka Movement Melbourne.
The pantries are set up in front of houses, garages or community centres, with people welcome to donate food and take goods if they need to.
Wyndham residents Gayle Crawford and Hollie Smith began the Victorian movement inspired by the same one in their home country Aotearoa (New Zealand), which helps community members, including those who fell through the gaps in the welfare system.
Iris Blithe-Waru, who has set up a Pataka in Kings Park, said there was “no judgement” of people who took food from the pantries.
“It’s pretty awesome, being from a Maori whanau (family), we’ve been raised to give what we can,” Ms Blithe-Waru said.
“It’s passed down through the generation to case and love for everyone. I grew up in the struggle, seeing mum and dad struggle.”
“I’ve been a single mum for 10 years and there have been some times where I couldn’t put food on the table.
“In three weeks, I have has so many people wanting to donate and those in need. Many who have come in are single parents, homeless and elderly. Different people from all walks of life.
“We’re not here to judge, we just want to help.“
More than 50 Pakata (pantries) have been set up across Melbourne and Geelong, and as far away as Warrnambool and Darley.
The aim is to organise a total of 100 community pantries across the state and a Facebook group for those who are interested in helping out has already attracted nearly 2000 likes.
Details: bit.ly/2SXAzRv
By Esther Lauaki
