The Lighthouse Community Pantry supported by Jellis Craig Foundation, is a community-driven initiative where food and essentials are donated through corporate and community partners. Dedicated volunteers sort it all by hand. Then it goes straight into the homes of young people who need it most.
Community
Pantry
Show a young person they’re cared for through food
Feeding our young people, made possible by community
We want to create a future where every child and young person in our community has reliable access to food, stability and care. Rising food costs and growing food insecurity now threaten that stability, in our homes and across our community.
This means a steady supply of food, week after week. And because we’re spending less on groceries, more of our funding can go toward the therapeutic care that helps young people rebuild their lives.
HOW THE LIGHTHOUSE PANTRY WORKS
The Pantry operates from Diana Gibson Village in Cremorne, next to the Lighthouse Youth Resource Hub.
Each week runs the same simple way: one day for community donations and sorting, one day for workplace volunteering. Everything gets sorted, packed, and delivered straight to Lighthouse homes, so young people always have reliable access to essential food and household items.
Our pantry essential items list
CORPORATE VOLUNTEERING
CORPORATE VOLUNTEERING
Pantry Packing Experience
Give your team a meaningful way to support young people while working together in a structured, facilitated experience. Hands-on volunteering with real impact, led by Lighthouse staff at Diana Gibson Village.
- 2–3 hour guided session
- Group size: up to 10 people per session
- Lighthouse welcome and program briefing
- Hear about our programs and the young people we support
- Sorting, packing, and preparing pantry items
COST
$1,750 per group (up to 10)
CORPORATE VOLUNTEERING
Corporate food drive
Host a workplace food drive and help stock the Pantry with essential items for young people.
We work with organisations to coordinate meaningful donations that go directly into Lighthouse homes.
CORPORATE VOLUNTEERING
Category sponsorship
Category Sponsors fund one key area of the Pantry, like fresh produce, pantry staples, or household items, so we always have a steady supply on hand. It’s an ongoing way for your business to make a real difference to young people’s lives.
COST
Contact us for further information
INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEERING
INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEERING
Be part of a hands-on community response
The Lighthouse Community Pantry is also powered by individual volunteers who help ensure consistent access to essential food and household items. Practical, hands-on work that directly supports young people rebuilding their lives.
- Sorting donated goods
- Stocking shelves
- Packing food and essentials
- Preparing distribution bags for delivery
COMMITMENT
Flexible weekly shifts
More ways to power the pantry
Whether through workplace food drives, ongoing leadership, or sponsoring a category — every contribution keeps the Pantry running and Lighthouse homes stocked.
Community Food Drives
Host a workplace food drive and help stock the Pantry with essential items for young people. We work with organisations to coordinate meaningful donations that go directly into Lighthouse homes.
Pantry Committee
We are establishing a Pantry Committee for individuals who want to contribute in a more ongoing capacity — supporting volunteer coordination, donation flow, corporate engagement, and program development.
A story of stability, care, and nourishment
By the time Alex* came to Lighthouse, he had experienced more than 30 care placements and years without stability. Trust didn’t come easily.
Healing began with something simple: warm milk and cookies each night before bed. More than a snack, it became a ritual of comfort, consistency and care. Before long, Alex would wander into the kitchen at our Youth Resource Hub, not just for the food, but for the connection it represented.
At Lighthouse, we know food is about more than nourishment. A shared meal can build trust, create belonging and become the first step towards healing.
*Name changed to protect privacy.
Get Involved
Built on community, partnership, and shared responsibility
The Lighthouse Community Pantry, supported by Jellis Craig Foundation, is built on community, partnership, and shared responsibility. Whether through volunteering, corporate engagement, sponsorship, or donations, your involvement directly supports young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Enquire about pantry opportunities, or book in your food donation here
Get Involved
Built on community, partnership, and shared responsibility
The Lighthouse Community Pantry is built on community, partnership, and shared responsibility. Whether through volunteering, corporate engagement, sponsorship, or donations, your involvement directly supports young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Find our community pantry
The Lighthouse Food Pantry operates from Diana Gibson Village in Cremorne, Victoria — next to the Lighthouse Youth Resource Hub.
Lighthouse Community Pantry FAQs
What is the Lighthouse Community Pantry?
The Pantry is a community-powered initiative where donated food and essentials are sorted by volunteers and delivered directly to young people in Lighthouse care.
Where is the Pantry located?
The Pantry is based at Diana Gibson Village, next to the Lighthouse Youth Resource Hub — 15–17 Adolph Street, Cremorne, Victoria.
Where does the food come from?
Food and household items are donated by corporate partners and the community. Donations need to be booked in first, just get in touch through our enquiry form to arrange it, and everything is then sorted and distributed by volunteers at Diana Gibson Village in Cremorne.
Who does the Pantry support?
The Pantry supports children and young people living in Lighthouse Homes, helping ensure they have consistent access to essential food and household items.
How does Corporate Volunteering work?
Corporate teams take part in a 2–3 hour facilitated Pantry Packing Experience at Diana Gibson Village. Teams help sort and pack donated items, hear an impact story, and learn more about Lighthouse’s work.
How many people can attend a corporate session?
Up to 10 people per session to ensure a hands-on and meaningful experience.
How much does Corporate Volunteering cost?
Corporate volunteering sessions cost $1,750 per group (up to 10 people). This includes facilitation, catering, and the full experience.
How often does the Pantry operate?
The Pantry runs on a weekly model: one day for community donations and sorting, and one day for corporate volunteering sessions.
Can individuals volunteer?
Yes. Individual volunteers support the Pantry by sorting donations, stocking shelves, packing essentials, and preparing items for distribution.
What is the Pantry Committee?
The Pantry Committee is a group of ongoing volunteers who help support coordination, operations, and growth of the Pantry.
What is Category Sponsorship?
Category Sponsors fund essential areas of the Pantry such as food staples, fresh produce, or household items, helping ensure consistent supply for young people.
Can we donate food directly?
Yes. We welcome community and corporate food donations. Please contact us to arrange delivery or coordinate a food drive.
How does this support Lighthouse programs?
By reducing the need to purchase food and essentials, the Pantry helps redirect funding into therapeutic care, housing, and support services for young people.
What items should I donate?
Download our list of essential pantry items to see what donations are most needed
