For some the COVID-19 pandemic has left them struggling to provide the basic necessities, for vulnerable groups the outbreak has added pressure to provide essential items.
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In the Upper Lachlan Shire area, a group has established a food pantry at the Crookwell Community Garden to offer relief to those people in need of help.
New figures by .id community show more than 100 local jobs were forecast to fall across the Upper Lachlan Shire, in the last quarter, and if JobKeeper impacts were included the employment fall is estimated at 223 jobs. A high proportion of job losses in the area are in the accommodation and food services, as well as the professional, scientific and technical services.
Meanwhile, donations from the Upper Lachlan Shire community are stocking the food pantry that is full of everyday essential items and non-perishables.
Bronwyn Haynes, the chairperson of the Crookwell Community Garden, said some people are no longer able to afford food, especially those who are now receiving support or facing job losses.
The community has donated dozens of everyday items and food, Ms Haynes said. So much that the pantry is full and organisers are planning different ways to distribute food to those known to them to be under distress, including hampers.
"The idea is simple with people who are in need to visit and take from the cupboard, whilst others may be in the position to donate everyday essentials."
"The pantry is free, you can donate, swap something or take something and give back later on, or just take something from it when you are in need," she said.
The garden provides privacy for those people who may not want to be seen taking food or other items, Ms Haynes said.
"It's quiet, a discreet place, it's a personal private spot," she said.
The pantry will remain unlocked during the daytime for people who wish to access it.
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