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Wye River • Separation Creek • Kennett River

Because No One On The Coast Should Have To Choose Between Filling The Tank And Filling The Fridge.

Ocean Road Food Pantry – Wye River: A local hand-up, not a handout. Just good food, shared with care, in the heart of our community.

I Need a Little Support I Want to Help Out

The Hidden Reality of Living on the Edge of the Ocean

We live in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. People travel from across the globe to see our coastline, to walk our beaches, and to breathe the air here in Wye River. But as locals, we know the truth that the tourists don't see.

We know that "coastal life" comes with a price tag. We know the reality of the 45-minute drive for groceries. We know the sting of the petrol pump, the unpredictability of seasonal work, and the way the "tourist tax" inflates the price of every loaf of bread and carton of milk.

Whether you're a hospitality worker whose hours just got cut because it’s the quiet season, a tradie waiting on a big invoice to be paid, a retiree watching the cost of living outpace your pension, or a young family trying to balance the mortgage with the grocery bill—sometimes, life on the Great Ocean Road gets tough.

In a small town, privacy is everything. We know the pride that comes with living here. And we know that asking for help is often the hardest thing a person can do. That’s why we’re here.

A New Way to Look After Each Other

Ocean Road Food Pantry – Wye River isn't a traditional "charity." It’s a community-run grocery hub designed by locals, for locals. We believe that access to good, nutritious food is a right, not a privilege—and that receiving support should never come at the cost of your dignity.

The "Shop Your Way" Model

We don’t hand out pre-packed boxes of things you might not even use. Instead, we’ve created a space that feels like a small local shop. You come in, you grab a basket, and you choose exactly what you and your family need.

Our shelves are stocked with a mix of:

  • Pantry Staples: Pasta, rice, flour, long-life milk, and tinned goods.
  • Fresh Produce: Seasonal fruit and veg (when available) from local gardens and rescued sources.
  • Household Essentials: Toiletries, cleaning supplies, and those little things that add up fast at the checkout.
  • "Pay What You Can" Specials: High-quality items available for a small donation or for free if things are tight.
Community Support

"Is This Really For Me?"

If you're asking that question, the answer is almost certainly yes.

One of the biggest hurdles people face is the feeling that "someone else needs it more." But the pantry isn't just for people in an emergency. It's for the person who had an unexpected car repair this week. It's for the seasonal worker waiting for the holiday rush to begin. It's for the neighbour who just needs to stretch their budget a little further until payday.

"No referrals. No health care cards required. No membership forms. No questions asked. Just community care in action."

When you use the pantry, you aren't "taking" from someone else. You are participating in a system designed to reduce waste, strengthen our local resilience, and ensure that every person in Wye, Sep, and Kennett River is fed and valued.

How To Visit Us

Location

Wye River Community Hall
(Side Entrance)
Wye River, VIC 3234

Opening Hours

Wednesdays: 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Saturdays: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

"Just come as you are. Our friendly local volunteers will be there to welcome you with a cuppa and a chat, or leave you to shop in peace—whichever you prefer."

Voices From Our Coast

Real impact, right here at home.

"As a hospitality worker, my income swings wildly between January and June. Being able to pop into the pantry for those dry goods and fresh veggies means I don't have to stress about my rent when the tourists disappear. It’s a lifesaver."

— Local Hospitality Staff

"I’ve lived here for 30 years. When my car broke down last month, the repair bill took my entire grocery budget. I was embarrassed to ask for help, but the volunteers at Wye River made me feel so welcome. No judgement, just care."

— Long-time Wye Resident

"I love that this isn't just about 'charity'—it's about reducing food waste. We get great produce that would have otherwise gone to waste, and we contribute what we can to keep the lights on. It’s community at its best."

— Young Family, Kennett River

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Health Care Card or a referral?

Absolutely not. We don’t ask for any proof of income or personal documentation. If you feel you need to use the pantry, you are welcome to use it. It’s that simple.

How much does the food cost?

Most items are free or very low-cost. We also operate on a "pay what you can" basis for certain goods. If you have a few dollars to contribute, it helps us restock. If you don't, that is perfectly okay too.

Is there a limit on how much I can take?

We ask that you take only what you and your immediate household need for the next few days. This ensures there is enough for everyone in the community.

I’m a seasonal worker/regular visitor—can I come?

Yes. Whether you’ve lived here for forty years or you’re here for a three-month hospitality contract, you are part of our community. If you’re doing it tough while you’re here, please come in.

Where does the food come from?

Our stock is a mix of community donations, surplus from local businesses, rescued food from partner organisations, and items we purchase ourselves with donated funds.

"We survive by looking out for each other."

Wye River, Separation Creek, and Kennett River have faced fires, storms, and isolation before. Every time, we have come through it by standing together. The Ocean Road Food Pantry is just the next chapter in that story.

Don't let pride or uncertainty keep you away. We are your neighbours, your friends, and your community. Our doors are open, the kettle is on, and there is a place at the table for you.

See You on Wednesday or Saturday