THE ACT government has committed $1.5 million over the next six months to establish a new food pantry for vulnerable Canberrans during the coronavirus pandemic.

Partnering with Uniting Care Kippax, Oz Harvest and the Foodbank, the food bank will initially support the existing crisis and relief centres throughout the community. The Canberra Relief Network will be a central point for procurement and distribution of goods to organisations.

Then, the ACT government says it will then provide direct support to individuals and families who are unable to access existing services. The food pantry will be delivered from a central coordination point supporting vulnerable Canberrans, including people living with disability.

The government says existing food bank provisions will remain in place until stage two of the new food bank is up and running early next week.

And, a call centre is also being set up to assist people in isolation or quarantine. People will be able to register through the call centre for access to the food pantry, according to the government, who says the number will be published on kippax.org.au when its established.