Ridge pantry filling more than full shopping bags

Grace and Josie Ogg, with Lightning Ridge Minister in Training, Samuel Ogg welcomed people to the pantry event. Photo: Contributed

Story: Kristin Murdock – kmurdock@outbackradio.com.au

Lightning Ridge Community Church’s mobile community pantry welcomed another strong turnout on July 15, as residents stocked up on affordable groceries while strengthening community connections.

Held every second Wednesday at the church on Morilla Street, the pantry is a partnership between the church and Anglicare, with the van travelling from Moree to serve the community.

Lay preacher Ian Heyne said the initiative had been warmly embraced since its launch earlier this year.

“The response has been fantastic, and it just keeps growing,” Mr Heyne said.

“We had about 30 people at our first pantry, then 58 at the next one, and once again we welcomed plenty of people through the doors this week. It’s obvious the community appreciates having access to affordable groceries close to home.”

“We even had someone arrive at the last pantry with produce from their own garden to share with everyone else. That really summed up what this is all about – neighbours helping neighbours.” […]

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