Mandy Caton, Lee Hill, Bill Bewsher and Colene Gray with Lamp Inc's free community veggie garden.
URGENT UPDATE: A groundbreaking initiative aimed at tackling food insecurity has just launched in Busselton. The Really Really Free Pantry and Community Veggie Garden, established by Lamp Inc, is now open to provide fresh food to those in need—no questions asked.
This new community resource is a direct response to the pressing issue of food insecurity identified by local advocate Lee Hill, who noted that conversations with community members revealed this need repeatedly. “Food insecurity came up again and again as a key issue in our community,” Ms. Hill stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Inspired by a similar initiative in Bunbury, the Busselton team worked tirelessly to bring this concept home. “We decided to replicate it,” Ms. Hill said, highlighting the community’s collaborative spirit. Generous donations from local organizations, including the Lions Shed and Wattyl Paint, enabled the pantry’s establishment, which operates under a “take what you need, when you need it” philosophy.
The pantry is restocked every two weeks by Coles Vasse, ensuring a consistent supply of fresh food for the community. Additionally, the Really Really Free Community Veggie Garden was completed just before Christmas, providing everyone with free access to seasonal produce. “Having access to free, fresh produce is wonderful to help address obesity in our community,” Ms. Hill remarked, underscoring the positive impact this initiative will have on local health.
Both the pantry and garden are designed as judgment-free spaces, allowing individuals to access resources without the need for referrals or eligibility checks. Ms. Hill expressed her hopes for further support, including a wheelchair access ramp for the pantry and maintenance assistance for the garden. “To access emergency relief, you often have to prove eligibility through bank statements,” she explained. “The demographics of people experiencing that stress now extend far beyond those receiving government payments.”
Community members can donate items to the Really Really Free Pantry either onsite or at Coles Vasse. The pantry is located at 224 Bussell Highway, while the Community Veggie Garden is situated next door at 226 Bussell Highway, directly outside Lamp Inc’s main office.
This initiative not only addresses immediate food needs but also fosters community connection and support, making a significant difference in the lives of Busselton residents. As the pantry and garden gain traction, the community is encouraged to participate and contribute, creating a sustainable model for tackling food insecurity locally.
Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent community development.
