MV Food Bank adopts drive-through model

Madawaska Valley Food Bank has provided an update on their response to the COVID-19 pandemic and their commitment to our community moving forward. Patricia Whitfield, MV Food Bank President, said “The health and safety of our volunteers and visitors is of the utmost importance and we are following the lead of our local and Canadian public health agencies during this important time.”

To keep the MV Food Bank a safe and comfortable environment for clients and volunteers, they are doing the following:

• They have changed from a shopping model to a ‘drive-through’ model to minimize exposure for clients and volunteers. Starting with the March 24 food bank session, clients will not have to enter the Food Bank at all. Arriving cars and pedestrians will be directed into a line-up in the parking lot of St. Lawrence O’Toole Church, to have pre-packed boxes of food placed into their vehicle/cart upon arriving at the front of the Food Bank. The Food Bank trusts that their clients will accept temporarily losing the ability to select their own foods, in exchange for reducing their own health risks and those of volunteers.
• Most registered food bank clients will be contacted by telephone prior to Tuesday. Upon arrival, no earlier than 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, they will be asked to form a line with their vehicles through the St Lawrence’ O’Toole parking lot. New clients will be registered on-site.
• Clients are asked to stay inside their vehicles. Volunteers will ensure safe distances are maintained during the process.
• MV Food Bank continues to monitor developments related to COVID-19 daily as well as local public health protocols and recommendations. The Food Bank is in regular communication with Feed Ontario, their provincial food banking representative, for ongoing updates.
• Following the lead of the health agencies:
  • • • Hand sanitizer and soap for hand-washing are always available for volunteers and visitors to use frequently.
      • Volunteers are being encouraged to monitor their own health and use good judgement when experiencing flu like symptoms by seeking medical attention and not coming to the Food Bank.

Whitfield said, “Please know that we are doing our part to ensure the community remains safe and healthy, while continuing to provide essential services to those in need. We will continue to monitor this situation closely and provide ongoing updates to the community, as needed. Thank you for your continued support!”

Want to help the Food Bank?

The Current confirmed with Food Bank volunteers that you can make a monetary donation to MV Food Bank using either of the following cashless methods:

• e-mail transfers: mvfoodbank@gmail.com
• Donate online at Canada Helps: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/9655

Whitfield,P. (2020,Mar.21) MV Food Bank’s COVID-19 Response  [media release]