The Trinity Pantry at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Fortitude Valley was established over thirty years ago to provide assistance to those for whom life was proving a struggle; those who simply didn’t have enough to eat, or who had met with some temporary crisis and had no funds.  Then Rector of Holy Trinity, the late Father Trevor Bulled together with a group of volunteers began by providing daily assistance with non-perishable food and toiletries, while two days each week financial assistance was available through government funded Emergency Relief and parish funds.

Currently, the Pantry is staffed entirely by volunteers, and is open Wednesday to Friday, every week (except public holidays, and January) from 11am to 2pm. In January, the Pantry is open on Thursdays from 11am to 2pm.

People who are in need because of some crisis or hard times are welcome without appointment during opening hours. They need only bring identification. There is a range of food normally available, and may be selected from a ‘shopping list’, at no cost.

Limited financial emergency relief is also available during opening hours each Thursday. This can be provided towards the payment of bills e.g. utilities (including electricity, gas, water, phone), rent, and PBS prescriptions.

Trinity Pantry assists over 1000 people each year. There are many stories, each one unique, and some exacerbated by current health and economic pressures. All are made welcome to receive some support to tide them over a difficult time in their lives – contributions to urgent bills, and assistance with food. Some who are helped return to offer thanks, and maybe even a donation.

The Pantry depends almost entirely on donations. St John’s Cathedral community provides groceries regularly, and volunteer assistance, but cash is also needed to support requests for financial assistance and also because the Pantry’s monthly shopping bill is substantial. The Pantry prefers to buy food from local providers, because it is fresher, and buying local supports the businesses which are called on for extra help.  With bulk buying, our gifts will go a long way.

Can we give at least $1,000 to help the Parish Pantry this winter?  Donations of $2 or more to the Parish Pantry are tax-deductible.  Cathedral Outreach envelopes for May are available at the outreach poster in the Narthex. Please place your envelope in the donation boxes, or give it to a Warden.  Cheques should be made to ‘Trinity Pantry’. To obtain a receipt, please write your name and address on the back of your outreach envelope, with ‘Outreach 05’ clearly marked. Using electronic banking, make a bank transfer to BSB 034 003 Account No:385378;  please narrate your deposit “Outreach 04” and also email outreach@stjohnscathedral.com.au to inform us of your deposit (include the amount). For other forms of payment, please phone the cathedral office [(07) 3835 2222] during normal business hours Monday-Friday.Your receipt will be provided by the Pantry, probably around early to mid-July.