Community & Business
4 August, 2026
Helping out the hungry
THE Hungry Pug Cafe in Mareeba has donated $600 worth of food boxes to the Mareeba Community Centre for families in need, thanks to funds raised through its community tip jar during July.
Each month, the cafe selects a community member, group, or organisation to support, and during the month of July it raised $450 to purchase fresh fruit and vegetable boxes for the local community centre, which will now be distributed to those in need. The cafe also collected an array of donated pantry items.
Cafe owners Simon and Victoria Crosby contributed $100 out of their own pocket and Far North Fresh (who the food boxes were purchased from) donated three boxes themselves, with each one valued at $50.
All in all, with the help of “our wonderful community”, they were able to donate 12 boxes to the community centre, valued at $600.
“One lady donated $200 just on her own, as well as pantry items,” Victoria said.
“We always chuck in the first $100 and our friends at Far North Fresh gave us three boxes for free.
“I’m so happy with the result, we’re always very grateful to our customers in Mareeba and the surrounding areas who always support the different things that we have the pleasure of doing.”
Victoria said the cost-of-living struggles had been evident within the community, which is why her and Simon chose to work with the centre.
“We’ve worked with MCC quite a few times over the last six or seven years and we always love supporting them, but this month we chose them again because of the cost-of-living pressure,” she said.
“Everyone is doing it so tough, and it might not seem like a lot, but a bit of food might just be enough for a family for a week.”
The community centre expressed its “heartfelt thanks” to Victoria, Simon, and all Hungry Pug customers after the cafe took to social media to drive awareness of its July initiative.
“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to The Hungry Pug, Far North Fresh, and every single person who has donated, shared the post, or supported this wonderful initiative,” it said on social media.
“Your generosity, kindness, and commitment to helping others is a true reflection of what makes our Mareeba community so special.
“The fresh fruit and vegetable boxes, along with the pantry items and toiletries being collected, will help us provide free emergency food relief to local individuals and families experiencing hardship.
“Community support like this allows us to continue ensuring that no one has to face difficult times alone. Together, we’re proving that compassion, generosity, and community spirit are alive and well in Mareeba.
“From everyone at Mareeba Community Centre, thank you for standing beside us and helping us support those who need it most.
“If you or someone you know is experiencing hardship, please remember that our Community Pantry is here to provide confidential, free support. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team – we’re here to help.”
Now that July is wrapped up and the boxes have been donated, Victoria encouraged locals still wanting to help out to donate to the centre’s community pantry program.
“You can donate there every week day of the year. So you don’t have to wait, just head on over and drop them some food – they’d be very appreciative.”
This month, the cafe (97 Byrnes St) is raising money to purchase bucket hats for Mareeba State School students so they can play outside at lunch time.
