The Waterbridge Community Pantry, run by the Jordan River Service Inc, has been making a real difference in people’s lives. Since opening in June 2014 with a grant from Primary Health Tasmania, the Pantry has provided a lifeline for many residents within Brighton and further afield, offering affordable and nutritious food in times when cost of living pressures are making things tougher for many.

At the heart of the Waterbridge Community Pantry is a simple but powerful mission: to tackle food insecurity. The Pantry provides low-cost frozen, readyto- heat homemade meals and a wide array of fresh fruits, vegetables, jams, sauces and relishes. It ensures that everyone in the community can access healthy food, no matter their financial situation.

The Pantry is conveniently located inside the Gagebrook Community House at 191 Lamprill Circle in Herdsmans Cove, open Monday to Friday from 10am until 2pm. Everyone is welcome to shop there – you don’t need to live in the area or be experiencing any kind of hardship or have a concession card.

In the past year alone, the Pantry has served up almost 16,000 meals. But it’s not just about the numbers, it’s about the people and the connections the Pantry helps to make. Every interaction comes with a friendly face, knowledge of the other services and resources available in the area, and a willingness to help make those connections and referrals if needed.

Many customers have shared their personal stories, expressing how the Pantry has changed their lives. One customer said, “I can live independently thanks to the meals,” while another said, “Thank you very much, you are a lifesaver. The people I deal with [at Waterbridge] are kind and professional.” These testimonials highlight the Pantry’s role in assisting individuals and fostering a sense of community.

If you can’t make it to the Pantry in person, there are delivery services on Tuesdays for Eastern Shore and Hobart, Wednesdays for Glenorchy, Claremont and surrounds, and Fridays for New Norfolk and surrounds. Local delivery to Bridgewater, Gagebrook and Herdsmans Cove is only $5, while for other areas within a 20 km radius, it’s just $10. As it continues to grow and adapt to the needs of the community, the Pantry remains committed to its mission of promoting food security and building resilience. With the ongoing support of local partners and the community, the Waterbridge Community Pantry demonstrates how powerful place-based initiatives can be in helping to address community challenges.

For more information, call 0487 267 375 or visit www.waterbridgefood.com.au to place your order or learn more about their offerings. Shop in-store or have it delivered right to your door!