Community Partner Story – The Storehouse

After a tragic loss in their family and seeing the desperate need in their community, husband and wife team Tama and Kah were inspired to start The Storehouse to ensure others were never left without. Operating six days a week in Pimpama, staff and volunteers take pride in the impact they have on the local community.  

With Foodbank Queensland as the largest supporter of The Storehouse, Kah shares, “When we found Foodbank Queensland, everything started to accelerate. We had this big marquee up the driveway of my home with many tables and would feed up to 200 people a week – it was crazy!”  

Now supporting 600 families every week, the hardworking team proudly shares their growth from a humble home garage handing out hampers of food, to now, a bustling storefront supporting hundreds in the community. Kah explained the need has increased substantially, “I don’t want people to ever go without … the scope of what we do has gotten so much wider these days, that it’s just your everyday people now.” – Kah 

As a Foodbank Member for almost three years, The Storehouse is an established discount grocery store that provides fresh fruit, vegetables and grocery items at up to 70% off. The Storehouse is open to serve the community and has an engaged online audience of almost 9,000 who wait for the daily announcement of what food is available.  

Kah shares that The Storehouse began with the creation of a $20 food hamper filled with essential food and grocery items. The $20 food hamper was promoted through social media, and interest grew from 800 followers to over 9,000 followers. The Storehouse has become a popular hub for those who need a hand through challenging times.  

Kah continues that the demographic of those who access the service has changed over the last few years, as they see more two-income families needing assistance. “There are seven schools within a three-block radius here in Pimpama and Coomera, so we see many families and elderly who are struggling with rising costs, just regular people.” – Kah 

The Storehouse is a hub for families, elderly individuals, and students to access discounted food and grocery items, but also to share a connection with both staff and fellow community members. A The Storehouse volunteer, affectionately known as ‘Auntie’ to the local community, shares that some come to the The Storehouse for company, knowing they are welcome and can simply talk to others.  

The team hear heartbreaking stories, including a local grandmother who lost her daughter and became the sole carer for her four young grandchildren. Accessing The Storehouse has been the helping hand needed to feed the children she now has in her care. “We’ve helped them a lot. Some think it’s just food, but it’s compassion. The hope that someone is there to help you.” – Kah 

Kah continues that the most challenging issue facing food support outlets is sourcing products, specifically protein for the community. She shares The Storehouse could go through four pallets of meat a week if it was available, but some food items, like protein, are not donated enough to services like Foodbank Queensland. Adding to the pressure of keeping the service open is the lack of space. Kah shares, “We’re growing, and when the shop is full no one can move. I know we can help many more people.” – Kah

The team share that with a cold room and additional truck, the service could benefit hundreds more families every week. “My heart, our heart, the heart of Foodbank Queensland is just to help. We know there is a need we’re fulfilling, and we have the vessel to do it.” – Kah 

Tama shares to the generous donors of Foodbank Queensland, “This service helps everyone. We wouldn’t be able to do this without Foodbank Queensland. We thank you.” 

If you are in a position to help Foodbank Queensland provide more food across the state to support Queenslanders in need, please consider joining the fight against hunger as a regular giver.