No-cost, no-contact meal delivery
COVID Emergency Reponse Program was created for people who cannot make it to the food bank
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, agencies in Hamilton have launched emergency meal and food hamper delivery programs to ensure people who are unable to cook for themselves or leave their homes don’t go hungry.
“These two programs are for the most vulnerable people in our community,” said Joanne Santucci, executive director of Hamilton Food Share, the organization funding the initiative. “There are people who are physically unable to get out of their homes.”
COVID Response Food Programs are designed for anyone who is unable visit the food bank or grocery store. This might include seniors, anyone with pre-existing mobility issues, and those who are sick, injured, or recently discharged from the hospital.
The programs were launched in partnership with Welcome Inn Community Centre, Set the Table Kitchen & Co., and
DARTS Transit. Hampers, which are packed at various sites and delivered by City of Hamilton staff, include nonperishable items and some fresh food packed. Meals are prepared daily by Set the Table, and delivered fresh to clients’ doorsteps.
“It’s no contact and no cost.” Though they haven’t yet set an upper limit, Santucci expects deliveries may reach upward of 100 meals a day once the program gains momentum.
“We’re hoping to have the programs in place as long as we have the resources to support them,” she said.
Santucci emphasized that the COVID Emergency Reponse Program was created for people who cannot make it to the food bank.
“The food banks are open,” she said. “If you can get there, make it one of your essential trips out of that house.” Since the pilot program launched April 22, staff at Welcome Inn have been even busier than usual.
“Our staff are the ones taking in the calls from agencies that are referring people in need to us,” Jamie VanderBerg, the executive director. “Then they’re doing the intake process and preparing the delivery lists.” VanderBerg said Welcome Inn played a big role in developing criteria for the program, which is now fully operational. To qualify for food hamper delivery, clients must both have financial need and be unable to leave their homes. The meal delivery program, which is available on a referral-only basis, is reserved for those who don’t have anyone in their household able to prepare food.
“If you are able to prepare your own food, then you’re referred over to the hamper delivery,” he said.
VanderBerg said that without the partnership of organizations, businesses and the City, it would be impossible to run a program of this scale.
“The collaboration is absolutely essential,” he said. “There’s no single agency in Hamilton that I’m aware of that could do all of the components.”
He said they are looking for funding for this program beyond the three months they’re already planning to run the program.
“For much of the general public, it might be that this program is no longer needed in three months,” he said. “But for the seniors who are among the last of the groups that are going to be released from self-isolation or from social distancing, we could be looking at months where they will need prepared meals dropped off at their door.”
Those who cannot physically leave their homes due to the COVID-19 crisis or have preexisting mobility issues can call 905-537-FOOD (3663) and have a food hamper delivered to their door within two business days.
“There are people who are physically unable to get out of their homes.”
JOANNE SANTUCCI HAMILTON FOOD SHARE