Community encourags to support North Durham Food banks as need set to rise in Ontario
by The Standard News Media Inc. | March 26th, 2020 Edition https://thestandardnewspaper.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Food-Banks-need-Mar-26th-2020.mp3
DAN CEARNS The Standard
NORTH DURHAM: Food banks in North Durham are looking for the communities’ support and patient understanding, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Operation Scugog is preparing for a potential increase in clients. “We’ll see an increase, I’m sure. We already had a few new people this week,” Operation Scugog Chairperson, Karen Teed told The Standard. Due to the current virus situation, the local food bank has changed their procedures. “Instead of having clients come in, we’ve put a clipboard outside, where [clients] can check off items they need, and then knock on [the food bank’s] door, hand in the clipboard and then we serve them outside,” Ms. Teed explained. “A lot of our volunteers are seniors, so I’ve asked them to stay home. We are limiting the number of volunteers in the food bank.” She complimented the patience of their current clients. “They have been very patient and understanding that we are trying to keep our volunteers and clients safe,” Ms. Teed said. While Ms. Teed said the shelves at the food bank are “okay right now”, she added they are starting to run out of certain items, and will need more items to handle the possible increase in clients. “I’m hoping [donations at grocery store locations] will pick up,” she said. A list of items the food bank is looking for includes; Kraft Dinner, rice, apple juice, canned stew, canned pasta, baking mixes, granola bars, juice boxes, cookies, shampoo, toilet paper, and larger size diapers. The food bank also accepts gift card donations. “Our clients can’t hoard groceries like other [individuals] can,” Ms. Teed said. Donations can be dropped off at local grocery stores, or people can call the food bank, at 905-985-3087, or Ms. Teed, at 905-985-4899, to arrange a time and place to make a donation. Operation Scugog is open on Wednesdays, from noon until 4 p.m., and is located in the portable beside Victory Christian Centre, in Port Perry. Loaves and Fishes Food Bank, on Toronto street in Uxbridge, has also announced some changes due to the coronavirus. “Uxbridge Loaves and Fishes Food Bank will continue to serve clients, on Wednesdays between 1 [and] 4 p.m. However, we ask that if you have been travelling in the past 14 days, if you are feeling unwell, or if you have a cough or fever, please do not enter the food bank. Also, we have made changes to our regular procedures in order to remain in operation and we ask for your patience and understanding at this time. If you are seeking to use the food bank for the first time please reach out by email or phone in advance of your Wednesday visit, so we may pre-register you,” read a statement on the Uxbridge’s food bank website. Some of the Uxbridge’s food bank needs include; macaroni and cheese, instant coffee, deodorant, laundry soap and hot chocolate. A full list of recommended items to donate can be found on their website, at uxbridgefoodbank.com. They can be contacted by email, at uxbridgeloavesandfishes@hotmail.com, or by phone, at 905-852-6262.