Melfort Food Bank is in need of extra donations during the COVID-19 pandemic. (File photo/northeastNOW staff)

By Angie Rolheiser

Food Bank

Food and cash donations needed at Melfort Food Bank

Apr 2, 2020 | 10:07 AM

The Melfort Food Bank is in need of donations as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to put a strain on families and individuals in the community.

The usual hampers were dispersed last Thursday, which was the first time since the coronavirus outbreak in Saskatchewan.

Secretary Ellen Zuck told northeastNOW there wasn’t too much of an increase in demand for food this time around but food donations are down considerably.

“Most urgently needed right now are canned fruit, cans of spaghetti sauce, and canned tomato, we are really good for soup at the moment and we could used canned meat as well,” Zuck said.

She said a few monetary donations have come in over the last week, which they also need for purchasing meat. Tax receipts are available for any cash donations.

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“There is probably going to be more of a need now that people have been home longer with their children,” Zuck said. “We are hoping to bring in more donations before a big demand happens.”

Donations can be dropped off between 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. They would also welcome any plastic grocery bags for their hampers.

“We don’t accept outdated food, we have been seeing a lot of that and the bins at the grocery store are for food that was purchased at the store,” Zuck said.

Food already on hand should be brought directly to the food bank rather than taking it to the store bin while the virus precautions are being taken. There is a food bin located at Cindy’s Independent Grocer and at the Co-op grocery store.

The Food Bank will open to the public on April 9 and May 21, with only three people allowed in the building at one time to abide by social distancing requirements. Gloves and hand sanitizer are also required at the entrance.

“Double hampers will be distributed when the food bank opens on April 9,” Zuck said.

The Food Bank will also be open on May 7 for emergency hampers but anyone needing one will need to call in advance.

Editors Note: This article was amended to include additional information such as a food bin located at Co-op grocery store.

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angie.rolheiser@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser