Transforming Lives Beyond the Shelves – Impact Food Outlet’s Journey from Humble Roots to Community Stronghold

The Impact Food Outlet, led by Darryl, Mari-shell and their dedicated team at Impact Community Services, stands out from the busy Pacific Highway. The Food Outlet was started in partnership with Foodbank Queensland six years ago. Campus Pastor Mari-shell shares the story of filling her small car’s backseat with a tuckerbox esky filled with food from the Foodbank Distribution Centre in Morningside. Mari-shell would then travel back to Impact Community Services multiple times a week to restock the pantry, supporting those facing hunger with nutritious food.

From these humble beginnings, the Impact Food Outlet has grown into a crucial resource providing food to over 18,500 people every year. Food Outlet Manager Darryl shares that the Outlet offers heavily discounted groceries for those in need, restoring dignity while offering companionship and a sense of belonging for thousands in the greater Logan region. Every day, Impact volunteers skillfully manage challenges to ensure that no one in their community goes hungry or without support.

“Foodbank has empowered us to do this. It’s all happened from a seed to form all of this, which is amazing!” Impact’s Lead Pastor Tony shares.

What began as a service operating just two days a week has grown to serve the community five days a week, with customers travelling from the local area and as far as Gatton.

“We’re more than feeding people, we’re getting involved and helping people through support services, counselling, finances and financial management, payment of bills, domestic violence, unplanned pregnancies and arranged marriages.” – Tony.

Darryl shares that everyone who enters the Impact Food Outlet has a story, and the team ensures they are heard and support is offered, emphasising the profound impact of offering food with no judgment, only warmth. The community supported through the Impact Food Outlet know it isn’t just about feeding people through affordable groceries. Impact Food Outlet is about nourishing souls, bridging divides, and fostering a community where everyone feels valued and supported.

“There is no judgement, there is no stigma, and everyone is welcome.” – Darryl.

Impact Community Services is proud of the positive outcomes they have achieved through their years of selfless service.  In partnership with Foodbank Queensland, they are having a significant impact in addressing food insecurity in the local community.

They assist elderly community members to find purpose in volunteering, ease the burden of single parents who visit, and provide food and groceries to those facing cancer or have mounting medical bills.

Pastor Mari-shell recently assisted a mother through the domestic violence crisis care at Impact Community Services, who was living week to week with three children to feed.

Mari-shell shares, “She said it’s safe, nonjudgmental and she is just so appreciative of what we can do.”

Tony continued, “We don’t want people to feel a sense of shame; we want them to feel normal and just be able to come and make use of everything that we have here.”

Tony continues, “All of that came as a result of this little shop starting.”

Working in partnership with Foodbank Queensland has made a difference for the local community.

Your generosity makes an incredible difference far beyond what you could imagine for the people of Logan, and beyond. Just incredible.” – Tony.

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.