Nell's Pantry for farmers now open

The Pantry is named after parish member, Nell Prow, who left a donation to St John's Anglican Church to be used for the community.

It was officially opened by Greg and Kathy Prow last Tuesday.

Pantry volunteer, Sue Jolliffe, said the opening was wonderful, with more 40 people coming down to the church to celebrate.

They were encouraged that quite a number of farming families came in to pick up pantry items on their first afternoon open.

"We want farmers to be affirmed that they are valued," Mrs Jolliffe said.

Nell's Pantry will be open to farmers every Tuesday from 1pm to 3:30pm, except for public holidays.

Farmers will be able to select up to two reusable Woolies bags worth of the items they need per visit.

The volunteers assure everyone that assistance through Nell's Pantry is private and confidential.

They have no forms or joining fee, all they ask is for the farmer's name and property name.

You can enter the church grounds from the side entrance, near the taxi rank, to visit the Pantry if you would prefer.

Nell's Pantry is relying on locally sourced goods to stock its shelves, with the first pantry of food donated by Georgie's Pantry in Parkes along with donations from some local people.

Mrs Jolliffe said if people wanted to drop off items, which can include everything from non-perishable foods to cleaning supplies, for the Pantry they can bring them down to the church office from Tuesday to Friday between 9am and 1pm.

St John's Reverend Crystal Spindler said the opening was a wonderful day and they were very blessed by the number of people who attended.

She added the community support for Nell's Pantry has encouraged them that they are going in the right direction.

The Pantry will be kept running for as long as it is needed and the volunteers from St John's can keep it up.