Central Coast Food Hubs

Finding support during challenging times can make all the difference. This guide helps you locate local charities, food banks, neighbourhood centres, and community hubs across the Central Coast that offer free food or low-cost meals, groceries, and essential assistance. These organisations exist so that no one faces hardship alone. They provide not only food, but also comfort, connection, and practical support when it’s needed most.

Bateau Bay 

Food & Crisis Support at BBNC 

  • What: Provides assistance with food insecurity, including fresh fruit, vegetables, frozen meals, hampers, and staple food items when available.
  • Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Friday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Location: 10 Cynthia Street, Bateau Bay, NSW 2261
  • Contact: (02) 4332 7450
  • Cost: Gold coin donation; however, assistance is provided regardless of ability to pay.
  • Notes: Operates in partnership with various charities and agencies, including OzHarvest, Second Bite, Rotary, Coast Hands, Share the Dignity, Good360, Thrive Church, and Shoe Box Revolution.

Cooranbong 

Southlakes Incorporated – Food Assistance and Community Support 

  • What: Offers a range of services including:
    • Community Pantry: Provides discounted groceries, frozen foods, and complimentary bread and fresh produce through partnerships with SecondBite and OzHarvest.
    • Essential Food Hampers: Delivers free hampers weekly to over 100 families and seniors, referred by agencies such as Centrelink and domestic violence refuges.
    • TLC Free Meal Service: Hosts a free sit-down meal every Monday evening at The Entrance Primary School, offering dinner, dessert, and hot beverages.
    • School Welfare Program: Distributes free food hampers and supports school breakfast clubs across Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast.
    • Christmas Initiatives: Provides toys to children aged 1 to 15 years old, totaling an incredible $450,000 in value. 
  • Opening Hours: Monday and Wednesday, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
  • Location: 614 Freemans Drive, Cooranbong, NSW 2265
  • Contact: 1300 934 483
  • Cost: Many services are free; however, donations are appreciated to support ongoing programs.
  • Notes: Southlakes Incorporated operates as a vital hub for communities across New South Wales, providing essential resources such as food, clothing, and toiletries to those facing hardship. They support organisations in various regions, including the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, and beyond. Their innovative Community Hair Project also offers free haircuts to individuals and families experiencing hardship.

Gorokan / Kanwal 

Samaritans Emergency Relief 

  • What: Food vouchers, electricity/gas EAPA vouchers, chemist/prescription support, clothing vouchers.
  • Opening: Phone and walk-in* appointment slots start from 9:30 AM in office on Mon/Wed/Thu (client call 0437 595 001 to book)—actual distribution mid-morning till 1 PM.
  • Location: Lakes Anglican Church, 274 Wallarah Rd, Kanwal/Gorokan.
  • Contact (ER line): 0437 595 001 or general 1300 656 336.
  • Cost: Free; typically require CRN or Centrelink statement + receipt of past fortnight expenses if applying for utility vouchers (food parcels only otherwise).
  • Notes: Issued strictly via appointment—walk-in on the day is OK after phone booking.

Gosford (North Gosford included) 

Coast Shelter (North Gosford) 

  • Open: Daily – Lunch: 11:00 am–1:00 pm (take-away meals) – Dinner: 4:30 pm–5:30 pm
  • Location: 346 Mann Street, North Gosford
  • Contact: (02) 4325 3540
  • Cost: Free
  • Notes: Also distributes food hampers during lunch; referrals and basic support available through Crisis Relief program.

Liberty Life House – Food Assistance & Community Support 

  • What: Provides food hampers to individuals and families in need. These hampers may include donated and purchased items, aiming to support those facing financial hardship.
  • Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
  • Location: 4/131–135 Henry Parry Drive, Gosford, NSW 2250. The centre is situated in the same complex as Service NSW, at the opposite end of the car park. · Cost: Food hampers are provided free of charge. My Liberty
  • Notes: Liberty Life House collaborates with various community service organisations, including Centrelink, Uniting Care Burnside, Brighter Futures, Coastwide Child and Family Services, and local schools, to assist the Gosford community.
  • Contact: For more information or to access services, call (02) 4321 0305 or email

Vinnies (St Vincent de Paul) 

  • What: Emergency Food Parcels
  • Open: Generally Mon–Fri (hours vary by shop; call ahead)
  • Locations: – Gosford: 273 Mann St – (02) 4322 5861 – Woy Woy: 41 The Boulevarde – (02) 4344 3261 – Wyong: 47 Howarth St – (02) 4356 6700
  • Contact: Above phone lines
  • Cost: Free emergency hampers or vouchers (eligibility varies; CRN sometimes needed)
  • Notes: Provides referrals and vouchers for food/appliances if you meet criteria.

CatholicCare – Central Coast 

  • What: Provides vouchers for groceries and some general household/clothing items (e.g., Kmart/BigW).
  • Opening: Appointment-based service; call for details.
  • Location: Central Coast region.
  • Contact: 1800 324 924.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Notes: Open to all; requires Centrelink statements and identification documents.

Wesley Mission – Central Coast 

  • What: Offers emergency relief to individuals and families experiencing financial hardship
  • Opening: Appointment-based service; call for details
  • Location: Central Coast region
  • Contact: 1300 371 288
  • Cost: Free
  • Notes: Provides assistance with bills, groceries, and essential items

The Earth Village Community – BREADLAND 

  • What: Provides free bread basics and some produce when available.
  • Opening: Monday to Friday, 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM.
  • Location: The Earth Village Community, Central Coast.
  • Contact: Not listed; visit earthvillage.org.au/breadland for more information.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Notes: Operated by The Earth Village Community; bread and produce are available to assist with grocery shopping.

Green Point 

Green Point Community Centre – Food Assistance 

  • What: Provides free food assistance, including pantry items, fresh produce, and sometimes cooked meals, to individuals and families facing hardship.
  • Opening Hours: Every Tuesday from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM.
  • Location: 96 Koolang Road, Green Point, NSW 2251
  • Contact: (02) 4367 7591
  • Cost: Free; however, a gold coin donation is appreciated.
  • Notes: This service is part of the community support initiatives offered by the Green Point Community Centre.

Kincumber 

KNC Food Pantry (Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre) 

  • Location: 1/20-22 Kincumber St, Kincumber
  • Contact: (02) 4363 1044
  • Open: Wednesday mornings, shelves open at 10:25 am, until items run out.
  • Cost: $5 donation per person (~2 large bags of food + free bread).
  • Notes: Brought in by OzHarvest, Aldi, Coles local, Rotary; no trolleys/large carts allowed—BYO bags/cart.

Toukley 

Lakes Food Care 

  • What: Discount pantry.
  • Open: – Monday & Tuesday: 10:30 am–2:30 pm – Wednesday: 12:00 pm–3:00 pm – Thursday & Friday: 10:30 am–3:00 pm
  • Location: 199 Main Road, Toukley (next to train line crossing)
  • Contact: (02) 4307 1234 (Toukley Neighbourhood Centre)
  • Cost: Heavily discounted grocery items; free rescued bread every open day
  • Notes: One of the only council-listed low-cost retail food outlets; No Centrelink ID required.

 

Tumbi Umbi 

The Meeting Place – Shack Shop (Home in Place) 

  • Open: Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 am–2:00 pm
  • Location: 1 Northumberland Way, Tumbi Umbi (Home in Place Community Hub).
  • Contact: (02) 4388 1064 (ext. 754) or general Home in Place bookings line 1300 333 733.
  • Cost: Very low-cost; many items free (e.g. bakery, fruit, rescued pantry items); small frozen meal offerings via Foodbank.
  • Notes: Social enterprise shop that sells low-cost and rescued food; opens as part of community outreach; shop‐style layout; very limited capacity so earlier entry advised.

The Shack Shop (via Home in Place – The Meeting Place), Tumbi Umbi 

  • Opening: Tue–Fri, 10 am–2 pm
  • Location: 1 Northumberland Way, Tumbi Umbi (in the housing-complex Community Hub).
  • Contact: 1300 333 733 (Home in Place Central Coast) or 02 4388 1064 ext. 754.
  • Cost: Mostly free rescued bakery, fruit & veg; very low-cost pantry items; frozen goods supplied via Foodbank
  • Notes: Operates as a dignified “social enterprise” shop—clients browse low-cost groceries and sometimes pick up frozen items; limited capacity makes early arrival ideal

The Entrance 

The Entrance Public School – Food Hub 

  • What: Operated by The Entrance Public School, this community food hub offers free meals and groceries to individuals and families in need.
  • Opening Hours: Every Monday evening from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
  • Location: 80 Oakland Avenue, The Entrance, NSW 2261.
  • Contact: For more information, you can contact the school at (02) 4332 2422 or visit their website at thentrance-p.schools.nsw.gov.au
  • Cost: Free
  • Notes: This initiative is part of The Entrance Public School's commitment to supporting the local community. It provides a welcoming environment for individuals and families to receive nourishment and connect with others.

The Food Hub – Entrance Primary School (Community initiative) 

  • Location: Entrance Public School, Bathes Avenue (entry via Entrance Rd), The Entrance
  • Open: Hours not published online; usually weekly (often Mondays)
  • Cost: Mostly free; occasionally low-cost rescued produce, bread, pantry goods
  • Notes: Run by peer-to-peer volunteers with Council‐issued vouchers; you need to call or arrive around midday to book in.
  • Contact: 0468 642 599 (The Food Hub team via Council Crisis Relief

Benevolent Society / CatholicCare 

  • What: Provides one-off grocery vouchers, household/clothing vouchers (e.g. Kmart), bill-payment help, delivered after needs assessment.
  • Opening: Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM; appointments ahead via 1800 236 762.
  • Location: The Entrance Community Centre (15 Battley Ave, The Entrance) 
  • Cost: Free; usually for people in genuine short-term emergency (Centrelink statement to show hardship called for eligibility).
  • Notes: Best for slow-burn cases (e.g. bill lags, moving). Not walk-in relief—requires phone intake and scheduled attention.

Southlakes Incorporated

  • What: Provides essential food hampers to families and seniors.
  • Opening: Weekly; specific days and times not listed; contact for details.
  • Location: The Entrance.
  • Contact: info@southlakesincorporated.org
  • Cost: Free.
  • Notes: Operated by Southlakes Incorporated; hampers delivered to schools and available through agencies.

Umina Beach 

Connect Church Pantry Club

  • What: Provides groceries, including fresh fruit, vegetables, and bread, for a small fee. Morning tea and hot beverages are offered free of charge.
  • Opening Hours: Fridays, 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Location: 4 Sydney Avenue, Umina Beach, NSW 2257
  • Contact: (02) 4344 2509 · Website: hopechurchcc.org.au
  • Cost: Small fee for groceries; morning tea and hot beverages are free.
  • Notes: A support service for local community members who are struggling financially and emotionally.

Woy Woy 

Mary Mac’s Place

  • Open: Monday to Friday – Lunch served from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm (take-away style) – Early-bird tea/coffee, bathroom, laundry access (~8:00–9:00 am) for people experiencing homelessness
  • Location: 100 Blackwall Rd (Ethel Cox Centre), Woy Woy
  • Contact: (02) 4341 0584
  • Cost: Free dinner; donations welcome (~AU $6 suggested)
  • Notes: Provides fruit, vegetables, bread (not available Thursdays), plus access to counselling and referral services.

People’s Pantry (Community SOS)

  • What: The People’s Pantry offers low-cost groceries and free food items such as bread and fresh produce (subject to availability) to individuals and families in need.
  • Open: – Mondays & Wednesdays: 11:30 am–2:30 pm – Thursdays (from 3 July 2025): 11:30 am–2:30 pm (holds public holidays)
  • Location: Yaringaa Building, John Hoare Close (behind Peninsula Community Centre), Woy Woy
  • Contact: (02) 4329 4477
  • Cost: Free membership. Suggested donation $2–$5 (many items free).
  • Notes: Offers fresh produce, pantry staples, frozen foods, rescued bread/fruit; unlimited entry with free registration; don’t need vouchers.

Vinnies (St Vincent de Paul) – Emergency Food Parcels

  • Locations: – Gosford: 273 Mann St – (02) 4322 5861 – Woy Woy: 41 The Boulevarde – (02) 4344 3261 – Wyong: 47 Howarth St – (02) 4356 6700
  • Open: Generally Mon–Fri (hours vary by shop; call ahead)
  • Cost: Free emergency hampers or vouchers (eligibility varies; CRN sometimes needed)
  • Notes: Provides referrals and vouchers for food/appliances if you meet criteria.

Wyoming 

Foodcare (Global Care) 

  • What: Discount groceries.
  • Open: Wednesdays & Fridays, 10:00 am–2:00 pm
  • Location: Approx. near Metro petrol station, 457 Pacific Hwy, Wyoming *(Exact address not published)
  • Contact: Centrally referred via Central Coast Council or ask Izzy; inquiries to Global Care not listed publicly.
  • Cost: Spend ~AU $10 donation → get a food “bundle” with fruit, veg, bread, and pantry items (value far above donation)
  • Notes: CRN or photo ID may be required (welfare-run food service). No membership fee.

Wyong 

The Father’s Table (Wyong) 

  • Location: Wyong Town Park, Alison Road, Wyong
  • Open: • Each Friday evening, 17:00–18:00 (“Pizza in the Park”) • Each Sunday, 11:00–13:00 (a free lunch and food hampers distributed)
  • Cost: Free meals and hampers—donations voluntary and welcomed
  • Notes: A grassroots Christian outreach by local volunteers—great for community connection as well as food
  • Contact: 0406 947 767 (information line)

Wyong Neighbourhood Centre Inc. – Food Assistance and Community Support 

  • What: Provides a variety of services to support the community, including:
    • Community Pantry: Offers free and low-cost food items, including pantry staples, fresh produce, and frozen goods.
    • Food Vouchers: Provides food vouchers for the Oasis Shop, limited to four per calendar year (two per six-month period).
    • Emergency Relief (Assisted Referral Program): Offers assistance during times of crisis or financial stress, including food relief and referrals to other services.
    • Drop-in Services: Provides access to hot meals, beverages, and facilities such as washing machines, dryers, and computers. 
  • Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Location: Building 2, 8 Rankens Court, Wyong, NSW 2259
  • Contact: (02) 4353 1750
  • Cost: Many services are free; however, donations are appreciated to support ongoing programs.
  • Notes: The Wyong Hub is the main office for Wyong Neighbourhood Centre Inc., and it operates in partnership with other organisations such as SecondBite, OzHarvest, and FoodBank to provide food relief.

Salvation Army Oasis Centre

  • What: Offers Grocery and utility vouchers (EAPA/Telstra), No-interest loan assistance, plus free community lunch.
  • Opening: Community lunch Wed 12:00–1:30 PM. Vouchers/help typically provided Tue−Fri during center hours (phone ahead)
  • Location: 15–23 Hely St, Wyong.
  • Phone: (02) 4353 9799
  • Cost: Free; up to 4 supports per year in many cases (review varies).
  • Notes: Also run youth outreach, laundry, showers, and phone/computer access.

Vinnies (St Vincent de Paul) – Emergency Food Parcels

  • Locations: – Gosford: 273 Mann St – (02) 4322 5861 – Woy Woy: 41 The Boulevarde – (02) 4344 3261 – Wyong: 47 Howarth St – (02) 4356 6700
  • Open: Generally Mon–Fri (hours vary by shop; call ahead)
  • Cost: Free emergency hampers or vouchers (eligibility varies; CRN sometimes needed)
  • Notes: Provides referrals and vouchers for food/appliances if you meet criteria.
  • Contact: Above phone lines

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