It’s no surprise that rising rent, soaring energy costs and no interest rate relief have left many Australian families struggling to put food on the table.

In Melbourne’s south-east, a small but passionate community is stepping in to help keep the shelves stocked, for everyone.

The ‘Food is Free’ community pantry is located in a quiet cul-de-sac in Ringwood East.

Naomi Walsh, who first set up the cupboard outside her home in 2016, says it operates on a “Give what you can, take what you can use” philosophy.

The pop-up became so popular that it now not only stocks grocery basics, but also acts as a free street library, nursery and children’s toy dispensary.

Naomi relies on about a dozen dedicated volunteers to help keep it stocked to the brim, and drop off food donations to those who need it.

Local bakeries have also jumped on board to supply leftover loaves of bread, buns and biscuits, that would otherwise go to waste.