My Last Ever 3-Month Food Bank Hamper! FREE Food Pantry Haul To Help Feed My Family - Australia 2024

[@annamaria8755]

For your sake im so sad they are closing. I know this has been a help for your family.

[@makingendsmeet]

Thank you for your kind words. It is really sad to see them go, especially since they’ve been such a vital support for many families, including mine.

[@kerrijones719]

Holy moly that's a lot of food and other things in that haul. So sad it's closing down though.

[@makingendsmeet]

Thanks Kerri😊💕 Yes, it sure was an amazing last hamper to receive. Will be a great help.

[@gloriaandrejcik9787]

Such a nice hamper of food and household items. Really sad they are closing. Their holiday hampers were absolutely amazing. I'm sure it will be missed.

[@makingendsmeet]

Thanks so much Gloria😊💕 Yes, we’ll definitely miss them, they've been such a huge help to our family.

[@chargroce4347]

That is so sad that they are closing it helps so much for you and other family's. Its fall here in Kentucky now you had a beautiful garden I enjoyed watching your videos. I hope your family is doing well I still watching you just haven't been able to write back sorry its been so long. God bless you and your family and stay well my friend 🙏

[@makingendsmeet]

Hey Char!😊💕 Thank you so much for your kind words! It really is sad to see them close, especially since they helped so many people. I’m glad you enjoy the garden videos. Fall in Kentucky must be beautiful right now🍂 No worries at all about the reply-life gets busy! I appreciate you taking the time to write. We are doing okay, hope you are too? Wishing you and your family all the best. God bless you as well. Take care, my friend!🥰

[@rachelkeyte1002]

Hello from a fellow Australian, from Melbourne actually. Wow, you certainly seem to get a lot of good stuff there. I absolutely love the Turkish rolls! They are great toasted with even just butter on them.

[@makingendsmeet]

G'day Rachel! Thanks, yes these food relief hampers certainly are a huge help. I love the Turkish rolls toasted with butter too - they're so good like that!😋 Hope you're having a nice weekend down there😊💕

[@thismamacleans_]

❤❤❤

[@makingendsmeet]

🥰💕

[@frugaldedegood]

nice things

[@makingendsmeet]

Thank you!😊💕

[@sallygordin2869]

What an amazing haul. I'm sorry they are closing. Maybe a new one will pop up nearby for you. Blessings friend 😊

[@makingendsmeet]

Thanks so much, Sally. Yes, it is unfortunate. There is another group set to take over the premises in the future, though it won't be for a while. Thankfully, the newer place I've been going to nearby recently (which provides free fruit and veggies) should help out. Blessings to you too! Hope you have a good week my friend🥰

[@erikalouwrens3992]

I love canned spaghetti on toast!

[@makingendsmeet]

Yes, makes for a tasty snack or meal!😋

[@rachelkeyte1002]

Oh me too. It is so good in those jaffles

[@judytubbs826]

Yummy stuffs. Thanks for sharing..bit of bad weather here with Hurricane Helene. Drink a cuppa for me and blessings. 😊😊😊😊❤

[@makingendsmeet]

Hey Judy😊💕 Thanks! Yes, there were lots of helpful and yummy stuffs for sure; they’ll be a great help. I’m sorry to hear about Hurricane Helene. I've seen on the news how devastating it has been over there. I hope you and your family are safe and well. Blessings to you too🥰 Take care, my friend❤️☕

[@TheLifeOfAliInAustralia]

The Golden Circle refreshers are absolutely delicious! Never really in the budget unfortunately, but NQR had a special on them a few months ago for 70cents each so I may have stocked up for holidays! The 4 kids drink 1 bottle in a go, so it's restricted to holidays only lol. One thing I do if I get coffee/tea/long life juices/special cereal etc is put it in a box for Xmas so if things are just exceptionally tight, at least there is treaty food 😊

[@makingendsmeet]

Hey Ali! 😊💕 That sounds like a great price for those drinks! I know what you mean-there’s just enough for four servings in each carton, and it goes so fast! I love the idea of having a box set aside for Christmas. I might start doing that too! Growing up, my mum did something similar on a tight budget. She’d buy at least one extra item each week leading up to Christmas and set it aside. By the time the holidays came, we always had a nice stash of goodies to enjoy!

[@ellalella1]

Sad to hear they are closing, they gave you a lot of great stuff. We are tracking along towards winter here. Some nights we get around zero now but it is still relatively warm and not a lot of frost in the mornings. The evenings are getting darker though and soon I will have to put on the winter tires on my bike and on our car. This Saturday I was by the sea and in the forest with my kids' scout group and the weather was as good as it gets this time of the year, around 2 degrees when we went out in the morning and around 10 mid day. It was sunny and fresh air. This week they say it will rain Tues-Fri, I am not looking forward to that... I suspect that soon it will turn colder and more wintery for real. It has already starting to get darker in the evenings and soon it will be dark in the afternoon too. I don't long for that, but snow is fine when that comes along.

[@makingendsmeet]

Hey Elin😊 Thanks my friend, yes they surely have been a huge help to us in recent times. Oh I hope it doesn't get too cold too quick for you over there - those temperatures sound chilly already to me! Have a good week🥰

[@jeannedenault9352]

What a nice haul! How unfortunate that the food bank is closing. I hope that they replace it or open another one.

[@makingendsmeet]

Thanks so much Jeanne😊💕 Yes, it really was a very helpful and nice last hamper to receive. It’s unfortunate that they're closing, but there is another group set to take over the space in the near future.

[@loisferguson5132]

I do so look forward to your videos. Terrible news about the food bank closing. I hope something new will come along to be of help to your family and community.

[@makingendsmeet]

Oh thanks so much Lois😊💕 There is another group who will be taking over the previous food bank's premises in future, but how things will work we are unsure of just yet.

[@TexasTweed]

I have mixed emotions about this haul ! So happy you received a variety of delicious food and nonfood items. Sad the pantry gave out its last hampers . I hope the other pantries can fill in the hole the closedown one is making . 🤠👍💕💕💕💕

[@makingendsmeet]

Hey Felicia! 😊💕 Thanks, my friend. I totally understand your mixed emotions! I’m grateful for the variety we received, but it’s definitely sad to see the pantry close after all the support it provided to so many, not just us. With the newer food bank I’ve been visiting on weekends recently (and receive fruit and veggies mostly), along with the bread from my regular food bank and the $10 food parcels on Fridays, we should hopefully manage okay.

[@muttersmenu2422]

Sorry to read that the food pantry is closing down, hopefully there is another nearby to help support you and the family😊 Terrific selection of items to be gifted as a farewell gift 💐 Good video 👍✔️

[@makingendsmeet]

Thanks so much my friend😊💕 Yes, I’m very grateful for this final hamper we received, it'll be a fantastic help. It’s definitely sad to see the pantry close. They helped so many, not just us. Fortunately with the newer food bank I’ve been visiting on weekends recently (the one with the fruit and veggies mostly), along with the bread from my regular food bank and the $10 food parcels on Fridays, we should hopefully manage okay.

[@Al........]

Hey how are you all, nice to hear it's a bit warmer. Sad to hear about the food bank, a great haul for your money, the meat and tuna are a nice addition, along with more donuts for the kids, 😁. I'm putting together a hamper for a local church, they help the homeless with problems and house them and give them a job until they get a place, prices are not going down, they stick a picture of a bit of Holly on something and charge double, I think they have had lessons off Mr Arkwright, (if you know who that is). Glad I'm not at home for Christmas, I love it but it's getting silly in the stores, the Spanish don't go in for all the excess. Have a good week. X

[@makingendsmeet]

Hey Al 😊💕 We are good, thanks. Hope you both are too. It’s definitely nice that the weather is starting to warm up a bit. Thanks, yes this last hamper of groceries was a really helpful one. Getting the meat and tuna will be very useful; we’ll certainly miss this wonderful food pantry. That’s so kind of you to do that for your local church-I’m sure they’ll appreciate it very much. I agree about the prices being ridiculous! Haha, yes, that Ronnie Barker was a funny man! Hope you have a lovely rest of the week too. Take care🥰

[@clarissamuddle6858]

Aww I seen the title saying it was your last ever and was happy thinking your circumstances had improved and you no longer required it. I am sad to hear it's closing...I am sure it has been a huge help to your community 😞

[@makingendsmeet]

Thanks for your kind words, Clarissa. Yes, sadly, this wonderful food pantry is now closed for good, and there will be no more helpful hampers from them. They’ve been such a huge support to so many, and I know they will be greatly missed.

[@louisechapman4009]

So sorry it’s closing as it seems like a good haul for you

[@makingendsmeet]

Thanks, Louise😊💕 Yes, they've been a wonderful support for my family.

[@pattimorgan9795]

What a haul! I’m so sad to hear they’re closing. Hopefully another opens in its place. I too love English Breakfast tea❣️ it makes my heart happy to see you get all these wonderful things. Have a great week ❣️ 😘

[@makingendsmeet]

Hey Patti😊💕Thanks so much my friend. Yes, I'm really grateful for this last hamper, even though it’s so sad they’re closing. They've been a tremendous help to us and many other people too. There is another group set to take over the premises in the future, but it won't be happening just yet. I’m glad to hear you love English Breakfast tea as well-it's so nice, isn't it? Very comforting to drink☕ Hope you have a lovely week ahead too! 🥰❣️

[@inkheart1954]

Great hamper sorry last one ❤❤ ❤❤ 😊

[@makingendsmeet]

Thanks so much Terri🥰

[@kathleentanner343]

So sorry to hear it is closing 😢 Had been so valuable to so many ! So pleased you got this fantastic haul ! that will be a great help .

[@makingendsmeet]

Hey Kathie😊💕 Thanks my friend. It really is a shame, but I’m really grateful for everything they provided. Yes, this last hamper will definitely make a big difference for us.

[@ashjoma]

Fabulous haul. So sad to hear that food bank is closing. Hope you will be okay with your other food banks. So much needed everywhere. My son and his girlfriend are spending a week on the Gold Coast. They are at Movieworld today. All the best from a cold, foggy and drizzling Central Tablelands. I wish I was at the Gold Coast. I’m so sick of the cold and damp.

[@makingendsmeet]

Hey Ashjoma😊💕 Thanks, my friend. It’s very unfortunate about the food bank; so many people relied on their support. There’s another group set to take over in the future, but it won’t be for a while, and I’m unsure how it will work just yet. In the meantime, I’m lucky to still have my regular food bank on Tuesdays for bread, and I can access the $10 church food parcels on Fridays. The newer weekend food bank (with free produce) should help a lot too. That sounds like fun! I hope your son and his girlfriend are enjoying their time on the Gold Coast. It’s been a bit rainy and stormy up this way too. I can’t stand the cold and damp either; it really gets to you, doesn’t it? Hang in there, hope you have a good (and sunny) weekend!🌞 🥰😘

[@sherriekemper1828]

Well, isn't that just terrible news, their hampers were so generous and varied. You received some nice things today thankfully--hope you all enjoy canned spaghetti! There did appear to be some nice dinner items and lunch box things. I noticed this was from a few weeks ago, has something else opened up near you in the meantime? I hope so. Have a good week.

[@makingendsmeet]

Hey Sherrie😊💕 Thanks for your kind words. It is sad that they had to close, we will miss them. Their hampers were a huge help-they really did offer a lot of variety. We’re making the most of what we received though, everything in this last one will be so useful, including the canned spaghetti! And you're right, I am a few weeks behind with the uploads at the moment! Luckily the newer weekend food bank I've starting going to (the one with the free fruit and veggies) is turning out to be very good and will help fill in some gaps. They do also have another organization set to take over the previous food bank's premises in the near future, but how that one will work we don't know just yet. Have a great week too my friend!🥰

[@darleneprice6467]

What a beautiful food haul that you got! It’s sad that this food pantry is closing

[@makingendsmeet]

Thanks so much Darlene😊💕 It really was a wonderful last hamper to receive. Yes, it was so sad that they had to close. They were a great help to so many.

[@robertadunaway7030]

You can make some really nice chicken sandwiches with some tomatoe & cucumber on a roll. French toast with some of the eggs and a loaf of bread. I love English muffins they are so versatile.

[@makingendsmeet]

Thanks for the tasty ideas Roberta😋 Yes, those muffins are great!

[@evelynmcdonald9981]

Great haul but sad to hear that they are shutting down. ❤❤❤❤

[@makingendsmeet]

Thanks so much Evelyn🥰

[@jenellehamilton9065]

I hope another group steps up & helps the community!

[@makingendsmeet]

Yes, they were a not-for-profit organization, and unfortunately, inadequate funding and increasing costs of providing services-along with the rising costs of items like fuel and utilities-meant that they had been running at a significant loss for the past several years and could no longer continue to do so. The food pantry ladies and men, (many of whom were volunteers), were so lovely, and their assistance was invaluable for so many families, seniors, and pensioners who used their services. On a positive note, there is another organization that hopefully will takeover in their place in the future, but in what capacity it remains to be seen.

[@janecannon5567]

I'm so glad you got a lot of food but sad it's the last one there.

[@makingendsmeet]

Thanks Jane😊💕 Yes, I’m really grateful for what we got, but it is sad knowing it’s the last one. They were such a wonderful food pantry and such a huge help to so many families, not just our own.

[@judithrichardson8213]

Hello MEM. What a shame that food bank is closing, I am sure it was a big help to so many people. Let us hope that another one will spring up to replace it, after all, there is a bigger than ever need for places like that now. You got some lovely things, and purple sprouting broccoli is DELICIOUS, at least I thought so as a child. I have not seen any for a good many years. We used to grow it in our garden when I was a child, as well as loads and loads of other veg. You just can't beet going in the garden and picking or digging fresh veg for dinner, or salad stuff for sandwiches or other meals. Thinking of custard, as you have got full cream/fat milk, you could use half to 3 quarters milk to water, just to make the milk last a bit longer. Anyway however you make it, I am sure it will be lovely with the apple crumble, twist or whatever it was. I hope you have a good week my friend. Much love and respect to you and your family, from me, Jo, here in the rather soggy South East of England. It is about 10.20pm on Monday, and it has been raining for several hours. xxxx

[@makingendsmeet]

Hello Jo! Thank you for your kind words. It really was a big help to so many people. On a positive note, there’s another organisation set to take over the premises in the future. Though it won’t be open for a while and I’m not entirely sure in what capacity just yet. I love hearing about your memories of growing purple sprouting broccoli and fresh veggies! There’s nothing quite like picking your own, is there?! Thanks for the custard tip-I’ll definitely give that a try! Wishing you a lovely week too, despite the rain. Much love and respect to you as well! Take care! 🥰

[@DebbieM1140]

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[@makingendsmeet]

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[@aidenalamo6262]

It is sad that particular food bank is closing. Hopefully you can find another one near you. Amazing amount of stuff they gave you. I'm sure your kiddos lunches will be bountiful this week. Thanks for posting your video! I went to my food pantry today and got a lot of brekkie items and protein foods. I also got a bottle of high quality dish soap.

[@makingendsmeet]

Thanks, Aiden. Yes, they’ve been a tremendous help to our family, and I know many others in our area will miss their support too. I’m fortunate that the newer food bank that I’ve been going to recently (the one that's open on Saturday) will hopefully help fill in some gaps. Yes, there were lots of treats for lunchboxes! Oh, that sounds like some awesome stuff you received from your food pantry today-dish soap is always such a welcome item!

[@aidenalamo6262]

@@makingendsmeet There is such a need for a food pantry in my community that if it closed down for any duration of time it would be very hard for those needing it the most. Love you friend!

[@makingendsmeet]

Yes, food banks and pantries are essential resources in today’s world. They truly make a difference for so many in local communities everywhere. There is another organization that hopefully will takeover this food pantry's place in the future, but I'm uncertain to when that'll be or how they'll operate. Thanks my friend, hope you have a good week!😘❤️

[@frugalcampermama]

That’s a lot of bread and frozen items! Do you have a second freezer?

[@makingendsmeet]

Hey my friend!! Yes, they certainly loaded up us with the bread items!! Luckily we have a second freezer, which comes in so handy for times like this! Hope you're having a good week over there💕

[@frugalcampermama]

@@makingendsmeet oh that’s great that you have a second one. I miss mine lol

[@sandytmobile4467]

Hello from Oregon USA. Have you not had problems with vread molding? I have three different breads and there last best buy date was April 1,24 still not hard or mold . I'm feeling funny about bread so we been doing lettuce and cabbage and i make flour tortillas but i didn't know if you seen any different going on? Hug's to you a moon away.

[@makingendsmeet]

Hey Sandy🥰 Most times I try to use the bread we get either the same day I get it or the next to avoid any spoiling (this video and the dates on the bread bags are from the end of August as I'm behind with the posting of video's)! If I know I won't be able to use it right away I usually pop it in the freezer to keep it good. In saying that, I have had some large flat breads literally go moldy overnight in the past, but never any not go bad! That does seem weird, makes you wonder what they're putting in things-I've heard of that happening before with a certain big fast food giant's burger buns. Lettuce, cabbage and tortilla wraps sound like awesome replacements instead of commercial bread 🤗Best wishes back my friend, have a good rest of the week too!

[@claudiavargas7900]

Why is the food bank closing?

[@makingendsmeet]

Hey Claudia😊💕 They were a not-for-profit organization, and unfortunately with funding being limited and costs for things like fuel and utilities going up, they’d been running at a loss for several years-so that’s why they couldn't continue to operate. It’s really sad, and I know this will impact many in the community. There is fortunately another organization set to takeover the place in future though, but how things will work we'll have to wait and see.

[@harbourchick5]

It's a shame that they are closing. Hopefully another will step up to close the gap

[@makingendsmeet]

Hey my friend😊 Thanks. Yes, they were a non-profit group, but sadly, they couldn’t keep going due to lack of funding and rising costs. They had been losing money for years. It looks like there will be another organization taking over the premises in future, but it's still not clear how things will operate just yet. Hope you have a good week over there💕

[@kathleenlangstaff5039]

Wondering if this foodbank is closing because they can't find enough resources to meet the demand. It was a good resource. Sorry!

[@makingendsmeet]

Thanks, Kathleen. Yes, they really were a good resource and helped so many people, our family included. My understanding is it isn't so much that there's food donations lacking (they received a regular plentiful supply of bread and produce from a big local supermarket) but more that they were a not-for-profit organization and were receiving inadequate (government) funding and with the increasing costs of providing services in recent times-along with the rising costs of items like fuel and utilities-meant that they had been running at a significant loss for the past several years and could no longer continue to do so. On a brighter note, there is another group signed up to takeover the premises sometime hopefully in the not too distant future😊