(Facebook/Melfort Food Bank Inc.)

By Angie Rolheiser

Food Bank

Higher demand expected at Melfort Food Bank amid COVID-19 pandemic

Mar 23, 2020 | 10:23 AM

Supplies could be short at the Melfort Food Bank as families in need cope with the growing concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Food Bank will open to the public for the first time since the coronavirus outbreak in Saskatchewan this Thursday.

Secretary Ellen Zuck told northeastNOW staff members expect there will be a higher demand for items and hampers which could then lead to a need for donations.

“We have things that we are constantly low on anyways, things like spaghetti sauce and canned tomatoes,” Zuck said. “Those are staples in our hampers when we have them.”

On a typical two-week period, 20 to 70 basic hampers are dispersed in Melfort and the surrounding area. Hampers are made up in advance and can also include add-ons of potatoes, meat, bread, or eggs, depending what they have on hand. If there are children in the family, hampers can include milk.

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If in stock, hampers can also include crackers, peanut butter, and vegetables.

The Food Bank volunteers haven’t seen an increase in demand just yet. The bank hasn’t opened since schools were shuttered.

“Children are at home so they aren’t getting their lunch programs at school or breakfast programs so that might increase the need as well,” Zuck said.

Items can be donated every Wednesday from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the food bank or in the bin at Cindy’s Independent Grocer. Cash donations are accepted as well which food bank volunteers will use to purchase specific items.

There will be some precautions in place when the doors open including a five-person limit in the building at once, and everyone will need to hand sanitize or wear gloves upon entry.

Priority will be given to those walking or on bicycles and those with children. Those hoping to get a hamper are asked to stagger arrival times over the course of the three hours.

Anyone who recently returned home from international travel or are feeling sick are asked to stay home for the safety of others.

“I’m anticipating we are going to be quite busy and then we will have to go from there,” Zuck said.

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angie.rolheiser@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser