International Day of Food Loss and Waste shines spotlight on BWNG Community Pantry

THE International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW) was observed on September 29, 2025.

Organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the day highlights the critical need to reduce food loss and waste to create a sustainable food future and advance climate and development goals.

Locally, one way our community contributes to this goal is through Bucketts Way Neighbourhood Group’s (BWNG) Community Pantry, which rescues food that would otherwise go to waste and makes it available to local people impacted by food insecurity.

The pantry has been running for over five years now, and each year accepts approximately $30,000 worth of donated food, which equates to over two tonnes of food products diverted from landfill annually.

A key supporter of the Community Pantry initiative is Woolworths Gloucester, which donates short-dated and excess products to the pantry every day.

Additionally, generous backyard fruit and veggie growers and farmers contribute their excess produce, and community members having a cupboard or freezer clean-out drop off their unwanted food items.

Pantry Volunteers also deliver donated food to Gloucester Preschool each day.

In partnership with BWNG the preschool maintains a community pantry at their premises in Hume Street, ensuring families with young children have easier access to donated food items.

A vital part of the pantry’s success is food collection volunteer Juanita, who (often with the help of her son, Harry) collects the donated produce and delivers it to the pantry.

The Community Pantry is located at 88 King Street, Gloucester, Monday to Friday, 12pm – 3.30 pm, and is open to everyone.

BWNG encourages the community to make use of the pantry, donate if they can, or volunteer their time to support this important initiative.