A new supermarket is set to open in Nambour, providing affordable grocery options for families in need. Everyday Foundation, an organisation already known for offering low-cost food, meal programs, and school pantry initiatives from its Howard Street location, will expand its services into new premises on Currie Street.

The move, to the old Autobarn premises at 73-79 Currie Street, fills one of many empty shopfronts on the main street and aims to help those struggling with the rising cost of living by doubling the foundation’s current capacity. 

The location on Currie Street is a nod to the past, as the site once housed a Coles supermarket from the 1960s.

The new location will include improved access for all customers, allowing more than 1000 people a week to benefit from low-cost groceries and essential services.

Everyday Foundation Operations Manager Karen Gullo welcomed the announcement and said it would help his organisation reach more people.   

“We will be able to include accessible access for those needing to get to our supermarket,” Ms Gullo said.  

“Our incredible volunteers last year distributed more than 52,000 free meals and provided low-cost groceries to 1000 customers a week at our existing Food Outlet.   
“We know there is need; we bring hope to those that need it.”

An LNP government announced it would work with the Everyday Foundation to establish the new premises in Currie Street to help community members suffering cost of living pressures.

Deputy Opposition Leader Jarrod Bleijie joined LNP candidate for Nicklin Marty Hunt to announce the $1 million investment as part of their Right Plan for Queensland’s Future. 

“There is a growing number of mothers and fathers who are battling to feed their children, and we will give them the tools they need to double their operations and help,” Mr Bleijie said.

“Queenslanders have copped some of the biggest cost increases in the nation for basic necessities, including food, which is smashing the supermarket docket for families.   

“The LNP is laser focused on driving down the cost of living for Queenslanders, in both the short and the long-term, and doing all we can to help those who are caring for our most vulnerable.”

LNP Nicklin Candidate Marty Hunt said the $1 million commitment would support more than 1000 Queenslanders each week.    

“The LNP’s commitment to renovating this Nambour site will provide low-cost accessible groceries to families doing it tough,” Mr Hunt said.

“Locals are relying on these organisations to meet their daily needs, and the LNP is committed to helping them do that.” 

LNP leader interrupted during Nambour tour

LNP Leader David Crisafulli was confronted over the economy and the housing crisis by a local man, while campaigning in Nambour on Monday.

Mr Crisafulli, who is on the campaign trail ahead of the Queensland state election, visited the Everyday  Foundation’s community Supermarket in Howard Street with LNP candidate and former Nicklin representative Marty Hunt. The Nambour local approached the state Opposition Leader to air his grievances. “I can’t actually pay for my accommodation because you’re pricing me out,” the local said.

Mr Hunt agreed with the man, telling him it was the reason why the LNP was seeking to turn things around.

“I totally agree with you mate, the situation is dire, and 10 years of this Labor government mate, we want change,” he said.

But the Nambour local was not easily convinced. “I don’t think it’s Labor man, it was no good when Liberal were in either, so you can blame each other,” the man said.

Mr Crisafulli said: “Well, we’d like to do something about it.”

Committed

 Later Mr Hunt said his party was committed to helping ease the pain “created by Labor’s cost-of-living crisis”.

“We’ll deliver policies across Queensland – like 50 cent public transport fares – and local investments including $1million for Everyday Foundation for a new renovation to establish a new supermarket premises to help our community.”