Outside the Ulladulla Scout Hall at 59 St Vincent Street, a simple wooden pantry is doing something quietly extraordinary. Every single day — rain, hail, or the chilly bite of a Southern Shoalhaven winter — someone comes to give, and someone comes to receive. That is the beating heart of the Little Free Food Pantry Ulladulla
With over 1,200 members in the pantry’s Facebook community group the reach of this initiative stretches well beyond the streets of Ulladulla — and its impact is felt deeply by those who rely on it most.
The motto is simple. Take what you need, give what you can.
No questions asked, no forms to fill in. Just neighbours helping neighbours in the most practical way possible.
Led by dedicated local organiser Melissa Johnson, the Little Free Food Pantry Ulladulla has grown into one of the region’s most loved grassroots initiatives. Melissa and her team of committed volunteers who give generously of their time to ensure the pantry is stocked, welcoming, and accessible to anyone in the community who needs it. They collect and sort donations, pack hampers for families doing it tough, and restock the pantry — often multiple times a day — to make sure the cupboard is never bare.
Melissa leads by example, coordinating the effort with warmth, dedication, and a deep commitment to making sure every person who visits the pantry feels dignity and care — not charity.
❄️ Winter Warmer — their biggest drive yet
As temperatures drop, the Little Free Food Pantry Ulladulla has launched its Winter Warmer campaign — a special seasonal push to make sure no one in the community faces the cold months without nourishing food or warm essentials on hand. The Winter Warmer campaign is their answer – a community call to action that invites everyone to give a little more during the months when it matters most.
What the Winter Warmer needs most
– Soups, stews, and hearty canned meals
– Hot cereals, oats, and porridge sachets
– Long-life milk, tea, coffee, and hot chocolate
– Pasta, rice, lentils, and dried legumes
– Warm pantry staples – stock cubes, sauces, gravies
– New or gently used warm clothing — scarves, beanies, gloves
– Blankets and warm bedding items
All donations should be non-expired, undamaged, and ideally non-perishable.
Got some excess veggies from your garden? Fresh food is also gratefully received and can be left directly in the pantry at any time.
How you can help
Your act of generosity makes a real and immediate difference to someone in the Ulladulla community.
- Drop food directly
Leave donations in the pantry any time of day or night. - Pick up an extra tin
Next time at Coles or Woolworths, grab one extra item for the pantry.
You can drop your items into the donation bins at the supermarkets or take it to the pantry. - Donate warm clothing
Clean, gently used scarves, beanies, gloves, and blankets can be left at the pantry. - Spread the word
Share this story with anyone who might want to give — or who might need a hand this winter. - Volunteer your time
Reach out via the Facebook group to find out how to join Melissa and the volunteer team. - Businesses & organisations
Regular donation partnerships are always welcome.
Get in touch via Facebook to discuss how you can help.
