Food insecurity exists all over the world even in an abundant country like Australia, where more than 20 percent of the population lacks secure access to safe and nutritious food. The lockdowns in Sydney, including Coogee, have impacted the food supply of three in five individuals as distribution logistics and workforce issues arise.
The restrictions have been a great reminder of the fragility of the food system in the country even as the majority of fresh food sold in Australian supermarkets is produced locally. Panic-buying has also been a factor in the shortage of food supplies.
Fortunately, local non-profits and some businesses have been working harder to provide food for families for as long as their resources and access to supply chains are open. By offering free meals or discounted food packages, residents in Coogee and Eastern Sydney suburbs won’t have to wonder where their next meals will come
If you know of families or vulnerable communities who may need help with food, let them know of this comprehensive list of reliable food security providers in Coogee and nearby suburbs. This is a mix of charity providers targeting specific groups and commercially available options.
| ORGANISATION | CONTACT DETAILS | PROVISIONS |
| Coogee | ||
| Community PantrySt Pauls South Coogee | 1 Gregory Street South, Coogee Tel: 0407 891 306 | • Fill bag with groceries for $10 • Bring pension or health care card • Every second Thursday at St Pauls South Coogee (20th August then every second Thursday) • 3:30 pm-4:30 pm |
| Maroubra | ||
| Junction Neighbourhood Centre | Shop 2/669-673 Anzac Parade, Maroubra Tel: (02) 9349 8200 to register Text: 0447 046 606 if you have a mobile & no credit as JNC will call you | • Personalised list shopping service & delivery available for those 65 years plus and 50 years plus for Indigenous communities with health & mobility issues • Registration required • Secure payment facilities available |
| The Salvation Army 100 | Boyce Road Maroubra Tel: (02) 9314 2166 | • Free Community Breakfast every Monday & Tuesday – 9 am-10:30 am • Free Community Lunch every Thursday – 12 pm-1 pm • Food Boxes available |
| Malabar Bakery Pty Ltd | 737 Anzac Parade Maroubra Tel or Text to order:0401 963 227 | • Manoosh Pizza, Falafel Wraps, Pockets, Home-cooked lunch specials • Order fresh and baked • Option to order fresh and freeze • Delivery service available • Payment by card and electronically • Hours: Mon-Fri: 7 am-4 pm – Sat-Sun: 7 am-3 pm |
| Malabar | ||
| Kooloora Community Centre | 167 Bilga Cresent Malabar Tel: (02) 9661 9160 or0481756759 | • Emergency food relief including hampers and cooked meals, electricity and gas vouchers • Vegged Out program What you’ll receive: o 1 bag of locally chosen fresh fruit, vegetables and baked bread/rolls per person/family o Cost $15 per bag, once per fortnight (please pay at Kooloora 1 week in advance and keep your receipt for collection) o Collection/Delivery Pick up at Kooloora, 10.30 am fortnightly on Fridays during school term |
| St Mark’s Anglican Church | Cnr Franklin Street & Victoria Lane, Malabar Tel: (02) 9311 0309 | • Mobile community pantry, 10.00 am-11.00 am, every second Friday • Grocery & fresh food items available for $10 • Pension, &/or Health Care Card required |
| Matraville | ||
| Randwick Meals on Wheels | Shop 1, 523 Bunnerong Road, Matraville Tel: (02) 9661 3781 for an assessment | If under 65 years old please call (02) 8745 0086 to discuss needs • Food relief service |
| Bondi | ||
| Our Big Kitchen | 36 Flood Street Bondi Tel: (02) 8084 2729 | • Hot meals provided • Vegetarian Kosher |
| Wayside Bondi Norman Andrews House | 77 Roscoe Street Bondi Beach Tel: (02) 9581 9193 | • Community Services Centre new opening times from 9 am – 1 pm • Take away service available including free breakfast • Lunch: 12 pm-12:30 pm (Lunches from $1, $1.50, & $2) |
| Kingsford | ||
| Kingsford Church of Christ | 399 Anzac Parade Kingsford Tel: (02) 9663 2272 | • Free take-away frozen meals and bags of fruit and veg available 4.00 pm-4.45 pm Sunday fortnightly |
| St Vincent de Paul Community Support Centre | Level 2/1A Meeks Streets Kingsford Tel: (02) 9662 7380 | • People experiencing hardship and/or social isolation can access financial and material assistance. • During the current health situation, vouchers will be posted to a secure letterbox or can be picked up in the office (case by case) • Monday – Friday 9 am-5 pm |
| Kensington | ||
| Oz Harvest Market | 147 Anzac Parade Kensington Tel: 1800 108 006 | • Food Supermarket now open Tuesday – Friday 10 am-2 pm. BYO Bag • Pre-packed hampers available to collect at the main entrance. Tuesday – Friday, 10 am-2 pm |
These charities and businesses may also need volunteers and donors to sustain their operations. Those interested to help out may also contact the organisations to enquire about donations and other logistical requirements.
