In partnership with OzHarvest
Karinya Pantry
Free, nutritious food and everyday essentials for young people — reducing food waste and supporting stability, health, and connection.
A response to a growing need
At the start of 2025, we saw a growing need. More young people were relying on our service for food, and it was clear that food security was becoming a real challenge.
The Karinya Pantry was created in response. It is a practical, compassionate way to ensure that young people have access to the food they need, when they need it.
Through our partnership with OzHarvest, we are able to provide free, high-quality, nutritious food in a safe and welcoming environment. This support helps reduce food insecurity and gives young people the stability to focus on their health, goals, and future.
The Pantry is about more than food. It creates opportunities for connection, routine, and learning everyday life skills such as planning and preparing meals.
The Karinya Pantry is supported by the Sidney Myer Fund, helping us respond to food insecurity with care and dignity.
The heart of the Pantry
Meet Mohana
At the heart of the Pantry is Mohana, our Living and Life Skills Educator. Mohana is the driving force behind the Pantry. She cooks, sources food, and delivers meals when needed. She is often so busy that we find ourselves asking, “Where is Mohana?” which usually means she is out and about making sure young people are supported.
When Mohana finds out that a young person needs support, she does not hesitate to act. She will jump in and make sure they are looked after, whether that means a warm meal, extra food, or simply ensuring they feel supported and cared for.
She keeps the Pantry stocked with nutritious frozen meals, ready for young people leaving hospital or those who need something quick, healthy, and comforting. Through her work, the Pantry also provides essential everyday items, including cleaning and hygiene products such as toilet paper, helping young people maintain a safe and stable living environment.
Growing every day
The Pantry continues to grow every day, and it is a great feeling to be able to support young people in practical and meaningful ways. Alongside essential items, we also love being able to provide some of the fun things in life — like chocolate, biscuits, and chips when we have them. Sometimes it is those small extras that can really brighten someone's day.
Guided by our values of hope, safety, kindness, innovation, and accountability, the Karinya Pantry is a place where young people feel supported, respected, and cared for.
Together with OzHarvest, we are proud to reduce food waste while making a meaningful difference in the lives of the young people we work with.
make a donation
How to Support the Pantry
The Karinya Pantry is made possible through the generosity of our community. You can support this work through financial donations, helping us provide food, essentials and everyday support to young people who need it most. Your contribution allows us to respond flexibly and with dignity, ensuring young people can access what they need, when they need it. Together, we can continue to make sure no young person goes without.
