While there haven't been any significant reductions at Sudbury Food Bank yet, Dan Xilon, executive director, expects a big influx of first-time users looking for food in the wake of COVID-19 measures.
Right now, the food bank is going through a month's worth of food in two weeks. That's because people are getting a few days more worth of food every time they visit a food bank. That way, they don't have to come back as often, said Xilon.
All except two food banks in the area are still offering services, but the way they operate is changing, said Xilon. Going forward, it's a “pick-up-and-go” scenario with pre-packaged bags, but the food bank is including extra breakfast items like cereals and granola bars because many children in Greater Sudbury relied on school breakfast programs.
Walden food bank has closed, and so has the New Sudbury food bank, but those who used that particular food bank can go to Inner City Homes to get their food.
Furthermore, captains Jim and Deb VanderHeyden, together with the support of Sudbury Food Bank, are keeping The Salvation Army Food Bank open. It is located at 634 Notre Dame Ave., and will operate Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the duration of this crisis.
Financially, Xilon said he expects the food bank will take a $30,000 hit from bingos being shut down by the time all is said and done. And while that's an estimate, he said the fallout could potentially be higher.
Over at the Samaritan Centre, which houses the Blue Door Soup Kitchen, they're now handing out bagged meals at lunch and dinner. The breakfast program has been suspended, said executive director Lisa Long.
“Our dining rooms are too small, and the space is not conducive to social distancing,” Long said.
On Friday, the Blue Door Soup Kitchen handed out 130 bag lunches, which include sandwiches, salads, fruit, and a drink. Volunteers handed out 150 bagged dinners on Thursday.
Through both meals, the Samaritan Centre is trying to give those in need extra food that will get them through to their next meal, Long said. As such, they are looking for donations of bottled water and such food items as granola bars. That way, they have something to eat in the morning in the absence of the breakfast program.
“It's difficult for our clients, and change is hard for everyone, but particularly for the most vulnerable in our community,” Long said. “For the most part, they've been very good about it.”
We have a custodian that cleans the facility constantly and thoroughly, Long said.
