Donate food to Canberrans in need
In our community, many families and individuals face tough times. At Communities at Work, we’re committed to supporting those in need through our community pantries in Tuggeranong and Gungahlin. These pantries provide vital assistance to over 20,000 people each year, offering free and heavily discounted food, household products, and personal care items.
Why your support matters
With no government funding to purchase pantry food, we rely on the generosity of individuals, businesses, grants, and donations to keep shelves stocked. The demand for food assistance continues to rise, with approximately 700 households seeking help each month. Your donations of food or money can directly help these families and individuals.
I’d like to donate to people in need
What food donations we need
You can make a difference by donating food (including gluten-free items) and essential products. Here’s a list of critical items we always need:
- Canned goods (vegetables, fruits, meats, soups)
- Pasta, rice, and grains
- Breakfast cereals
- Gluten-free food
- Long-life milk and juice
- Baby food and formula
- Personal care items (toothpaste, soap, shampoo)
- Household products (cleaning supplies, toilet paper)
Or, you can donate money to help us buy food to restock our pantries. It costs us approximately $10,000 a month to keep our pantries stocked for our clients. Your contribution, no matter how small, helps us to buy more essential food.
Organise a food donation drive
Want to make an even bigger impact? Organise a food drive! Invite your colleagues, neighbours, or friends to donate food and essentials. We have a toolkit with tips and resources to help you get started.
For larger groups, try a CANstruction food drive. It’s a fun team-building way to get involved! Teams can either work together or in friendly competition to build creative structures of canned food and other non-perishable items.
This Winter Appeal our theme is “Cold Canberra, Warm Hearts”. So how about building a big heart with tinned food and filling it with other food items? Take the Heart of Food Challenge and show us how big you can grow your heart!
Where to donate
You can drop off your donations at several locations across Canberra. Check our website for food drop-off locations.
Get involved and make a difference
Your support is crucial in helping us continue our mission to improve people’s lives. Whether you’re an individual, a business looking to sponsor, or a group interested in organising a food drive, your involvement makes a direct social impact on our community.
To learn more or get involved, contact us at 6293 6500, email socialprograms@commsatwork.org, or visit our website.
Together, let’s fight hunger and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most. Thank you for your generosity and support.