Feeding the community

Pantry 4 The People
Caring. Tenacious. Innovative

Rachael Smith sprang into action at the start of COVID-19 to provide local families in need with essential groceries.

She teamed up with Alt Saints General Store to launch Pantry4ThePeople, where people can help themselves to donated items as needed. Rachael’s motto is: Take what you need, give what you can." Anyone from the community is welcome to use the pantry and can discreetly take items at night if they wish.

Rachael aims to ensure that people always have access to a meal and that school lunch boxes are never empty. People can also request items, which Rachael sources and hand delivers to their homes.

With the help of her family, Rachael has secured regular donations from local businesses and uses social media to encourage members of the community to participate.

Now Rachael has her eye on future sustainability and has initiated community fruit and vegetable gardens to supply the pantry.

“We speak to many people at the pantry and feel proud when we hear how grateful they are,” says Rachael.

She feels humbled and emotional about being nominated as a Westfield Local Hero. “In a very short time, the feeling of community and inclusivity has far exceeded any of our initial expectations.”

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. Alt Saints will use the funds to buy pantry stock and support the community garden. A portion will also go towards an education program for children about how kindness can help others.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here