CASPA has partnered with Foodbank to launch a Community Cupboard in Casino, providing affordable access to essential groceries for families experiencing financial pressure.
Operating every Tuesday from 10:00am to 12:00pm during the school term at CASPA’s Casino office, the Community Cupboard is open to the entire community, offering staple pantry items at a significantly reduced cost.
This initiative responds to growing need across the Richmond Valley, where data suggests up to 40% of the population are experiencing significant socioeconomic disadvantage.
Families across Australia are facing increasing cost of living pressures. We are seeing stories shared in the media of people skipping meals to make ends meet. In Casino and the surrounding Richmond Valley, these challenges are further compounded by the lasting impacts of the 2022 floods, ongoing housing shortages and lack of accessible social services.
CASPA’s Casino Family Supports program is seeing this need firsthand. Since July 2025, the program has supported 41 families, representing more than 225 individuals. Many are navigating complex circumstances, including financial hardship, housing instability and recovery from domestic and family violence.
CASPA Partnerships Manager, Samantha Mearns, said the aim is for the Community Cupboard to respond to this growing need in a way that maintains dignity and choice.
“We’re seeing more families who are struggling to cover basic essentials, particularly food,” Ms Mearns said. “What we know from our work with the community is that beyond emergency support, people want the ability to shop for themselves and their families in a way that empowers personal choice and provides a sense of normalcy.”
After being open only a few weeks, the Community Cupboard is already making a difference.
“My kids love strawberry jam, but I can usually only afford the cheap brands, full of sugar,” says a shopper who has attended every week since the Community Cupboard opened its doors. “But here, I can afford to buy a much better version that I feel good feeding my kids. Being able to afford quality foods here means I can make our budget stretch and put healthy, home-cooked meals on the table.”
The Community Cupboard provides a grocery-style experience, allowing individuals and families to select items that meet their needs. Current offerings include pantry staples such as cereal, long-life milk, pasta, rice and spreads, with plans to expand into fresh and frozen items in the future.
The initiative builds on CASPA’s broader commitment to support communities beyond its funded services.
The Community Cupboard is part of a welcoming environment where people can access additional support informally, removing barriers that may be associated with structured social services. It is expected to grow over time, with offerings expanded in response to community feedback.
CASPA Community Cupboard: Open to the Public
Where: CASPA Casino Office, 104 Centre Street, Casino, NSW
When: Every Tuesday 10:00am – 12:00pm during school terms