DESPITE the restraints and concerns over COVID-19 the Anglicare Mobile Community Pantry program has continued in both Nowra and Bomaderry.

The volunteers at the All Saints Nowra are putting the "community" back into "Mobile Community Pantry".

So determined are they to build the bonds of community throughout the Shoalhaven, that the majority of them actually come from other churches around the region.

As one of the volunteers, Steve, a member of another church in Nowra, says, "We just want to serve."

Volunteers Marg and Cecily travel all the way from Gerringong to help.

They are the ones to definitely speak to if your jam won't set properly or if you want the secret to a great meat pie!

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All Saints parishioner Sheridan welcomes the shoppers and directs them to the van where the laughs flow as freely as the affordable groceries.

The crew at St Stephen's Bomaderry chose an interesting time to open up as a Mobile Community Pantry site.

Kicking off in February this year meant they only got three "normal" sessions in before COVID-19 changed the landscape.

But this hardy bunch of volunteers hasn't let that deter them!

They might not be able to serve morning teas quite like they did when they started but the same friendly welcome is definitely still there.

David, who, despite living in the area for 30 years, became a true "local" when he helped a neighbour's cow deliver her calf, pointed out, they're happy to be able to just turn up each fortnight and serve their community.

David has even taken to visiting nearby residents to invite them personally and make the kinds of connections that really build a sense of community.

The Bomaderry MCP is between 10:30 and 11:30am every Wednesday fortnight, while the Nowra MCP is the same day between 1:30 and 2:30pm.

The next MCP date is November 4, all welcome.

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