From little things, big things grow – Elyse’s food pantry success

Humans of Avivo

As the saying goes, from little things, big things grow’. When the right community of people come together with a shared vision of making a difference, a seed of an idea can sprout into something wonderful. 

That’s certainly true of Support Worker Elyse’s idea. 

Elyse, who has worked in support for close to two decades, joined Avivo in 2022 and credits both her personal growth and Avivo’s culture for giving her the confidence to think outside the box and pursue new possibilities. 

After completing Avivo’s ‘Managing Me’ program, Elyse stepped into a School Chaplain role with YouthCARE at Kelmscott Primary – a move Avivo didn’t just support, but actively championed. 

“Avivo didn’t just accommodate the change in my workload,” Elyse said. “They were absolute cheerleaders for me as I tried something that felt like a great leap.” 

A seed is planted

Once at the school, Elyse quickly identified food security as a key need for families, and the seed of an idea was planted. She developed a vision to create a community pantry at the school, and with plenty of nurturing, it’s grown beyond what she could have imagined. 

With support from New Spring Church and the huge generosity of Avivo’s Team Kelmscott, food donations soon began flowing in.  

Then came another pivotal moment. Nicole from Team Kelmscott heard what Elyse was working on and encouraged her to apply for an Avivo Small Sparks Grant to support the start-up. Within days, the grant was approved and with the support of Kelmscott Primary School Principal Jade, the vision evolved into something truly sustainable – a community pantry. 

Big impact

Since opening in Term 2 this year, the pantry has provided more than 1,350 single-serve meals and welcomed over 120 in-person visits. Families can access food discreetly and without obligation. Some come to give, some to receive, and many do both – creating a beautiful culture of mutual care. 

Beyond food, something equally powerful is happening.  

“The pantry offers families more choice, more dignity and more opportunities for connection,” Elyse shared. “Sometimes the chat, the big hug, or a quick reminder of ‘hey, you’re a good mum or dad’ is just as important as the groceries.” 

Additionally, through the care of school staff, even families unable to visit in person are supported through discreet food deliveries, ensuring no one is left unseen. 

Avivo extends its deepest thanks to everyone who made this possible – to Elyse for her idea, insight and heart, to Team Kelmscott for their ongoing generosity, to New Spring Church, and to the inspiring staff at Kelmscott Primary School. 

We’re proud to be a part of something that positively impacts so many families every day.  

Great news! 

After hearing firsthand about the pantry’s impact on the school community, Avivo decided to continue providing a Small Sparks grant annually to help keep the pantry stocked! We look forward to continuing to support Elyse, the school and of course, the families who benefit.