Cook and Connect: Winter Food Drive 2026

Two older women discussing recipes from opposite sides of a wooden fence

This winter, join us in supporting local food pantries, connecting with neighbours and sharing budget-friendly meals to help out with the high cost of living. One for you, one for a neighbour!

Donate to our Winter Food Drive in the Libraries

The City of Ryde is partnering with local community service organisations to stock their free community pantries. Next time you’re at the shops picking up pantry staples, grab one for you and one for a neighbour, and drop the extra one off at any library branch where it will be passed on to the community pantries.

The libraries will be accepting donations from Monday 4 May to Sunday 28 June 2026.

Donations should be non-perishable, in-date and fully sealed in brand-new condition. Items suitable for donation include:

  • Good quality tinned food and meals (with ring pulls)
  • Noodles, pasta, and rice
  • Long life milk
  • Muesli bars and snacks
  • Deodorant, soap and body wash
  • Shampoo, conditioner and sanitary items
  • Baby wipes and nappies
  • Baby food and formula

Cook and Connect Cards

While you’re visiting our libraries, find budget-friendly meal inspiration to make the most of your pantry staples!

Pick up a Cook and Connect Card (one for you and one for your neighbour!) that includes:

  • A recipe for an easy family meal that won’t stretch the budget
  • A Connect Card to check in on a neighbour, whether you’ve been friends for years or are wanting to get to know them

You can pass on the Connect Card to your neighbour to check in and share the recipe, or it might inspire you to drop a meal over to them or invite them to eat with you!

Our Cook and Connect Cards all include a recipe submitted by a community member. If you’ve got a simple, budget-friendly meal to share, we’d love to include it. Submit your recipe via the form below and go into the draw to win a $100 Coles gift card!

Note: Only your first name will be included on the Cook and Connect Card if you share a recipe. If you would not like your first name shared, please let us know in the “Recipe Notes” field. A name and valid contact details must be included to be eligible for the prize draw.

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