Barmah Food Shack is where it’s at

During the 45 minutes, The Riv was there, a total of five visitors stopped by and were amazed at the variety of items available.

“During the October floods, I received donations of sausages and bread from the bakery to feed the sandbaggers and went from there,” Mrs Adams said.

“I made several lunches and dinners over the sandbagging period from the food in my own fridge and freezer.

“Sometime later I received an email from James at Moira FoodShare. This is when my home became the Barmah food supply, I quickly formed a group to help unload stock and opened my gates to the community.

“I have a small group of ladies and friends still by my side. Along with my husband, Dean, and son, Jake.”

Local resident Billy said it was wonderful to see the community coming together to help those in need.

“Kylie Adams is an amazing woman,” he said.

“There are some people here in Barmah who are doing it tough. The Food Shack gives people some hope when they’re doing it tough.”

Mrs Adams decided to pivot from sausages in bread and worked towards something more permanent and readily available.

This is where the shack was born.

“After the community was told to stop making sandbags, I knew I had to continue helping the community,” Mrs Adams said.

“I put out a call on Facebook and emailed private companies for help, as our town was locked down and in need of urgent supplies.

“Moira Shire eventually took over the flood recovery. That’s where I called out for help doing something different.

“A local by the name of Graham Buffinton donated his time and skills to build our food shack. The shack took the load off my family and myself.

“By late February, Mr Buffinton had built the shack. The shack is 90 per cent finished, but I need a few extra shelves to be built to create more room for produce. I do rely on generous donations to keep the shack fully stocked.”

Mrs Adams said the Food Shack was open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“It is for people to donate and take what they need,” she said.

“I stock the Food Shack up to two times a day, it is now becoming well loved and respected by Barmah residents to use.”

Mrs Adams paid tribute to the support she had received from a number of businesses across the district.

“I would like to thank Women’s Wellness Goulburn Northeast, Moira FoodShare for their ongoing support, Brereton’s Bakery in Nathalia, Moama Bakery in Moama and Beechworth Bakery in Echuca for their product donation to help the community, Echuca Butchers, Echuca Fruit and Vegetables and of course Rock Solid Gardening Supplies Echuca for donating the crushed rock,” she said.

Despite the many milestones and significant strides it has made, the Food Shack does need ongoing improvements.

“Over the coming months, I would like a professionally made sign with our sponsors logos on it, along with a door strip to stop birds entering. I’m also looking for a range of toiletries as well as supplies for babies and pet food for dogs and cats,” Mrs Adams said.

“Additional items needing refrigeration are stored at my home, in case anyone needs extra help with meat, fresh produce and dairy items.”