Fulfilling a need
Colchester Food Bank welcoming more clients
The Colchester Food Bank is opening its doors to more people.
Darlene DeAdder, the facility’s executive director, said because of the COVID-19 pandemic only one person from the community has been allowed at the facility at a time. That’s changing now that provincial restrictions are decreasing.
“We are planning for a re-opening” on July 14, food bank officials told The Colchester Wire.
“It will allow a few people at a time, with social distancing. The maximum would be three to five at a time,” said DeAdder, adding Public Health rules will remain in place, including intense cleaning regularly.
“There are still people in serious situations. People are still struggling because of job loss … kids being out of school … you go through extra food because of that,” said DeAdder.
She expects the food bank to become even busier.
“We have more than 400 clients a month. As fast as (food) is going in, it’s going out. We are always in need” of donations. Items such as cereal, juice, canned fruit, soup, KD, and canned meats are examples of food that is constantly required.
DeAdder estimates the food bank’s shelves are 60 per cent full, with more items being purchased. Community support is appreciated as well.
The Old Barns Men’s Club and Knights of Columbus are again offering fresh vegetables. They bring in garden items usually every Wednesday and helped with food bank deliveries during the pandemic. In addition, the United Way of Colchester is “already planning” a community garden which is expected to assist the food bank as well, said DeAdder.
Also, when schools were closed during lockdown, some offered items from their cafeteria, such as milk, so it wouldn’t go to waste.
“Different places that had to close would call us and bring their product in for us to give. It’s so heartwarming. It was hard to get through but (this is) such an amazing community. We’ve had a lot of community support from different organizations doing deliveries for us too. We’ve always said, ‘it’s neighbours helping neighbours’ and it sure has been.”
And donations continue to arrive thanks to individuals, churches, businesses, and organizations. All items are wiped off or set aside for a few days, said DeAdder, referring to keeping things safe during COVID.
And there’s more good news. Thanks to a government grant, the facility has hired two part-time students for the summer. Laura Thurston and Abi MacKenzie said they are thrilled to work at the facility because it’s “rewarding to give back to the community.”
Another project that benefits the community is a new Sharing Kitchen at the food bank. DeAdder said the facility received a grant for the initiative, which has someone come in 20 hours a week to prepare food and recipes.
“This is our first time doing it. It’s great because it gives (clients) new ideas. There may be different veggies they may not know how to prepare them” so the recipe is very helpful.
DeAdder also gives a shoutout to all government levels that provided funding to the food bank during COVID-19.
“And to everyone who helped keep the doors open through the pandemic.”