Lomandra School established its breakfast club and hamper program almost 10 years ago to make sure students and their families did not go hungry.
Since then the Lomandra Grow Together program has expanded rapidly to the point where it provides more than 250 hampers per week to families in more than 17 local schools.
Now the school has gone up another gear by opening a community pantry.
The pantry at 4/5 Hollylea Road, Leumeah will provide discounted groceries and goods to families throughout the entire Campbelltown and Macarthur community.
The school estimates by the end of the year it will be able to provide between 400 and 500 hampers per week to local families in need.
“The program grew from the need of families in our own school,’’ says Lomandra School principal Mark Smith.
“We are now not only able to support our own families, but families in over 17 schools within our local area.”
Fruit and vegetables are donated to the pantry by Oz Harvest while organisations like Good360 help source other products including clothing and school supplies. Local Aldi and Big W stores also supply the pantry with goods.
Campbelltown MP Greg Warren has praised the school, which caters to students with behavioural issues, for establishing the Lomandra Community Pantry.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“If you are in need of inspiration, look no further than Lomandra School,’’ he said.[/social_quote]
“There are many families doing it tough in Campbelltown, but the Lomandra Community Pantry will make life that little bit easier for them.
“Congratulations to Principal Mark Smith, and all of the staff at Lomandra School. You truly do typify that community spirit Campbelltown is famous for,” Mr Warren said.
The community pantry’s doors are now open; for information regarding opening hours contact the school on 4627 2096.
Darren Lees is that you?
Yes bud