For the past decade, volunteers from the Glen Innes Seventh-day Adventist Church have supported families facing hardship through the Glen Food Hub. Now serving more than 140 households each week, the ministry is celebrating its 10-year milestone this September while looking ahead to the need for a purpose-built facility.
In 2016, members of the Glen Innes Seventh-day Adventist Church began to notice something they could not ignore: families in their community were doing it tough, and the need for practical support was growing. They believed their faith called them to do something about it.
Rather than offering sympathy alone, a small group of volunteers took practical action. From that decision, the Glen Food Hub began.
Today, the hub supports more than 140 households each week, helping hundreds of people across Glen Innes and surrounding communities. What started as a small initiative has grown into a vital community service. Rather than operating as a traditional food charity, the hub runs like a small grocery store, allowing people to browse shelves and choose the items their household needs. Food hampers are reserved for genuine emergencies.
The hub relies on the dedication of around 30 volunteers, including nine church members, 19 community volunteers and three-to-four participants from the local correctional facility, who each give their time each week to keep the service running.
The approach preserves dignity and choice, and the community has responded positively. In recognition of its service, the Glen Food Hub was awarded Community Service of the Year at the 2024 Australia Day Awards.
The ministry reflects the church’s commitment to practical service. By meeting everyday needs such as food security, volunteers demonstrate Christ’s compassion in tangible ways and build relationships with those they serve.
For the past decade, the Glen Food Hub has operated from the Glen Innes Seventh-day Adventist Church hall. While the space has served the ministry well, the program has outgrown its walls. Storage is limited, space is tight and the growing vision for the ministry is difficult to realise within the current facilities.
“We are doing everything we can within the walls we have,” says coordinator Jenni Lloyd-Ward. “But we know there is more we could do if we had the space to do it.”
As the hub celebrates 10 years this September, the dream of a purpose-built facility remains just that—a dream. Volunteers are praying for the support, funding and practical assistance needed to even begin laying the groundwork to make it a reality.
A dedicated building would improve storage, create a better, shopping-style environment for clients and allow the ministry to expand its programs to serve the community more effectively. The volunteers are committed and the need in the Glen Innes community continues to grow. Funding, practical assistance and the support of a builder are essential if the hub is to move beyond the limitations of its current space and continue to meet the needs of the community.
A decade ago, a small group of church members opened their doors to help their neighbours. Today, more than 140 households each week benefit from that decision.
With the right support, the Glen Food Hub hopes the 10-year milestone in September will not only celebrate past achievements but also mark the beginning of a new chapter—serving the community with dignity, compassion and practical care in a purpose-built facility.
To support the Glen Food Hub or learn more about their vision, contact the Glen Innes Seventh-day Adventist Church or email GLENfoodhub@gmail.com.
Teresa Robinson has been a team member at the Glen Food Hub for the past 18 months, where she is involved in communications and community engagement. She is passionate about sharing stories that highlight the positive impact of practical ministry and community support and enjoys connecting people through meaningful communication.
