Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated April 2024

Where are the community cupboards?
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

What can we donate?
Seeds, eggs, plants, canned food, pasta, rice, bread, toiletries, excess fruit and veggies... you name it! Unfortunately, we don't have capacity for refrigerated items, or opened items.

Please do not drop off homewares, appliances, clothing or shoes to the cupboards, these are best posted on Buy Nothing pages or dropped off to local op shops.

If you notice you've donated something that isn't being used, you can take it back and try Buy Nothing Montrose/Kilsyth, VIC

When is bread delivered?
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).

When is produce delivered?
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).

Who can use the community cupboard?
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.

Are you a food relief charity?
Great question. No, we're not. The cupboards were established on our fence line during one of Melbourne's many lockdowns in June 2021 and served the purpose of reducing food going to landfill, as well as community connection during that time. Everyone is encouraged to visit our cupboards and help us minimise the amount of food going into landfill. Those in need of food relief are, of course, encouraged to stop by too. We have a pinned post in our Facebook group with more consistent resources for you too though as our cupboards are quite unpredictable. Ask Izzy is another fantastic resource too.

That being said, as of September 2023, we are a registered charity (environment/sustainability purposes).

Can we post about the cupboards in other online groups?
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.

Where do the flowers come from?
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.

How much food is rescued from landfill?
Typically, between 2-3 tonnes of food is rescued weekly, and that doesn't include other drop offs by the local community. We do monthly summaries of food rescued and, on average, rescue 9 tonnes per month, which is almost 100 tonnes per year!

Who are your regular food donors?
A major supermarket (who prefers to be anonymous)- multiple locations
Bakers Delight Kilsyth, Croydon & Mooroolbark
Mt Evelyn IGA
Other businesses who have donated are listed on our social media page.

Please support those who support us, when you can.

Who else has contributed to the cupboards?
Japara Neighbourhood House Inc.
Montrose Church of Christ
Montrose Township Group Inc.
Bunnings Bayswater
Jazz’d up Designs
SSG Signage
Max Brown Croydon & Montrose
RSEA Bayswater
Officeworks Bayswater
JTD Carpentry & Joinery
Wonga Garden Supplies
Swan Plumbing
The Paint Place
Sleepers Direct
Mountain Timber
Carpet Court
Bowens
Bendigo Bank (grant)
Yarra Ranges Council (grants)

What can I do to start a Community Cupboard in my own neighbourhood?
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 Connect https://localfoodconnect.org.au/links/food-is-free/
We're also happy to chat to you for advice.

IMPORTANT NOTE: We are free, and always will be. We do not accept monetary donations from individuals. If we need something for the cupboards, we try to source this from local businesses or through grants. If you’d like to donate, we ask that you donate non-perishable food items.

Our motto is:
GIVE WHAT YOU CAN, TAKE WHAT YOU NEED