Foodbank Palmerston: Chief Minister Eva Lawler lauds new, ‘lovely’ set up

Set to supply 300,000kg of food across the Top End in the next 12 months, a brand-new food bank to be used by NT charities and their clients has been lauded. Take a look inside.

Palmerston's new Foodbank had its opening ceremony on 07 March 2024.

Walking into the Territory’s newest Foodbank, you would be forgiven for believing it’s a high-end supermarket.

The Palmerston-based, purple building, celebrated its official opening ceremony before 60 attendees on Thursday afternoon.

According to Foodbank SA chief executive Greg Pattinson, the immaculate new hub was by design.

“It’s something we’re very proud of – the food hub model is somewhat unique in that it provides a dignified experience for people who are struggling to get food,” he said.

“It is not open to the general public – as much as we would love to, it is done by referral so only so all the various charities that we deal with are able to send their clients here in order to shop for themselves.”

The new Foodbank has a high-end supermarket vibe. Picture: Harry Brill.

Over the next 12 months, the new operation is expected to distribute up to 300,000kg in food relief across the Top End – the equivalent of 600,000 meals for families in need.

“We’re not looking to promote this out to the general market other than (letting) community groups know that we are open and you can send your clients here,” Mr Pattinson said.

“And we will find a way of getting food to wherever (it’s) needed in the Northern Territory – we’ve already been activated at various times to support disasters and we stand ready to do that in the future as well.”

The Foodbank warehouse will store – and distribute – up to 300,000 kilograms of food relief over the next 12 months. Picture: Harry Brill.

Chief Minister Eva Lawler said the rise of food banks indicated a disappointing reality.

“It’s sad that the demand for Foodbank continues to grow in the Northern Territory – but I think it’s growing across Australia,” she said.

“It’d be nice one day to see that demand diminish, but I don’t think that’s going to happen anytime soon.”

Ms Lawler said she was impressed by the new establishment.

“It’s a lovely set up here; it’s beautiful to walk in and it looks like a supermarket,” she said.

“We were talking about stigma, hopefully there is no stigma for people to be able to come here – we want people from Palmerston, people from Darwin to feel like they can come here (and) to feel that they are going to be well looked after, that they are supported.”