Our Story

The program has grown from a partnership between the resident community and a Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) funded community development project, into a self-managed charity and an essential service, relied upon by many social housing residents.

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At the heart of our community-driven initiative is a commitment to combat food insecurity and financial hardship with lasting, meaningful solutions. Our mission is to provide easy, no-barrier access to essential household items, including high-quality bulk donations, rescued goods, discounted items, and low-cost essentials. By doing so, we strengthen the resilience and well-being of our community, ensuring that support is available exactly when it’s needed most.

In 2020, the Park Towers resident community recognised the growing challenges of food insecurity, further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Troy Matthews, a Park Towers resident and the visionary behind the Park Towers Community Pantry, saw an opportunity to make a real difference. His vision was clear: create a resident-run food relief program within their own building, offering a peer-to-peer, no-hassle approach to improve food security. This model would be both respectful and accessible, building stronger community connections.

With the backing of the Community Committee and the South Melbourne Capacity Building Initiative, ‘the pantry’ was born!

Key Milestones

  • 2020: South Melbourne Community Capacity Building Initiative (SSBI), a DFFH-funded project, supports the establishment of the pantry as a community-led initiative.

  • December 2020: The first food order from Foodbank Victoria is received.

  • March 2021: The Pantry officially opens its doors to Park Towers residents.

  • December 2022: Uniting SouthPort provides additional funding to help with critical infrastructure, including the purchase of shelving and fridges.

  • April 2023: The Produce Program launches at one estate.

  • June 2023: Our first Community Market event, supported by Foodbank Victoria’s Farms to Families program, takes place.

  • October 2023: SSBI funding and staff support concludes.

  • November 2023: Directors are selected to help form the new Park Towers Community Pantry Board.

  • April 2024: The Park Towers Community Pantry Limited (PTCP) is successfully registered as a charity with DGR status, setting the stage for a sustainable future.

  • September 2024: PTCP receives a 12-month food-relief grant from Homes Victoria.

  • April 2025: Six months into the Homes Victoria grant, PTCP makes vital capital purchases— including a new Ute to replace the 20-year-old Holden Commodore used to transport tonnes of fresh produce—and a small outdoor cool room to ensure the quality and freshness of the items we distribute.

Looking Ahead

We’re committed to sustaining the incredible work that benefits so many communities. Our goal is to expand our reach and increase our impact, extending support to

additional public housing estates in the surrounding area.