Question 1

Where are the community cupboards?

Accepted Answer

49 Durham Road, Kilsyth 3137 (Japara Bridge House) for food and occasional flowers

7 Leith Road, Montrose (Montrose Church of Christ) for food

16 St James Avenue, Montrose for books and DVDS

Question 2

Are you a food relief charity?

Accepted Answer

Great  question - yes and no. Yes, we provide food relief. No, that's not all we do.

Since 2021, the cupboards have served the purpose of rescuing food before it goes to landfill, as well as improving community  connections. Everyone is encouraged to visit our  cupboards and help us save good food from going to waste.  Community members experiencing food insecurity are encouraged to visit our cupboards, free food markets and monthly meals.  We have a pinned post in our Facebook group with more consistent  resources for you too though as our cupboards can be quite unpredictable.  Ask Izzy is another fantastic resource.

Since September 2023, we (Montrose Community Cupboard) have been a registered charity. In April 2025, we (Montrose Community Cupboard Inc) updated our association structure to incorporated (and thus had to re-register as a charity under the new structure). We also changed ABNs but we are the same people, doing the same thing, for the same purpose.

Question 3

Who can use the community cupboard?

Accepted Answer

EVERYONE! Our main purpose is to rescue food from landfill. So when we say EVERYONE, we mean everyone.

If  there's something you need, take it. If there's something you have in  your pantry or garden that you won't use, donate it and save it from  going to waste- and make others in the community happy at the same time  Post a photo when you donate so the community knows what's available.

Question 4

How much can I take from the cupboards?

Question 5

When is bread delivered?

Accepted Answer

Almost  daily. We often have an abundance of bread thanks to Bakers Delight  Kilsyth, Croydon & Mooroolbark as well as regular donations from a  local supermarket chain (multiple stores).

Question 6

When is produce delivered?

Accepted Answer

Regularly!  We don't often post these as we like for people to stop by and be  surprised with what they find. Sometimes the cupboards will be empty,  sometimes they will be bursting. We also hold weekly markets from 3-4pm  on Saturdays. The location alternates between Kilsyth and Montrose, keep  an eye on the Facebook group page for updates (events are pinned to the  top of the page in the featured section).

Question 7

Where do the flowers come from?

Accepted Answer

Pat  works in the flower industry. Any flowers that are past their optimal  sale date are added onto the stand, instead of going to waste. Flowers  get added a couple of times a week. The flowers are free too. We also  donate to two local aged care facilities for their floristry classes and  to brighten up their days.

Question 8

Can we post about the cupboards in other online groups?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!  We're happy for you to spread the word in other local groups and to  your friends and family. If you're ever unsure about posting in a  certain group, feel free to double check.

Question 9

What can I do to start a Community Cupboard in my own neighbourhood?

Accepted Answer

Our  advice would be to check with your local council to cover your bases  and then find a cupboard on your local Buy Nothing Facebook group or  marketplace. There are a few resources online, including Local Food  Connecthttps://localfoodconnect.org.au/links/food-is-free/
We're also happy to chat to you for advice.

Frequently asked questions