Sarah U’Brien from the Dungog Shire Community Centre said following the overwhelming response from the community every year to the Christmas toy and food appeals, the centre decided to start the pantry.

She said the centre was aware of the community was already generous to a range of causes.

“This idea is for people to add a packet of pasta, a tin of soup or some long life milk to their grocery shop every fortnight or to donate extra eggs their chickens may be laying or if they have excess citrus from their trees.

“We don’t want it to be a big imposition. When we can give someone a meal it makes all the difference. People are incredibly grateful.”