Community pantries - Pakata opening now...

There's some amazing people in our South Auckland community who are not only caring but also creative and have come up with ways in which to support our communities who are struggling or needing more support with food (and other essentials) going into local homes.

This particular initiative of having community pantries has been an idea that I first saw on FaceBook all over the States (USA) as a community solution and now it's so neat to see it replicated with by our own South Auckland whanau and the initiative of some lovely ladies. Just check out their FaceBook page as above on: South Auckland Free Open Pantries...

There's now a groundswell of community pantries opening with some 5 in Otara, 1 in Otahuhu, 1 in Manurewa and just today, 1 in Mangere with the hopes of more opening in local communities like: Papakura, Takanini etc.

It's been so neat to see this initiative take wing and all over FB as it's been a long time coming in community initiatives rather than Government or even NGOs (Non government organisations) as sometimes there's a lot of politics and funding involved whereas this is just neighbours helping out neighbours.

The other neat thing about it is that it can be on your own property provided that it's within the council guidelines (or ask your landlord/landlady if renting) and it's low maintenance with just a few guidelines to keep everyone safe like: no perishables, open 24/7, anyone can utilise or add to, organic fruit and veges straight from the tree or garden and highly recommended.

I'm definitely looking at how I can support this initiative with sponsoring one in my community and even looking at a space/place where we can put one up for our local communities to either take from or give. So give it a go if you can and help us to help out our communities. It will make a difference...