Gleaners Food Bank is open and needs volunteers.
Executive Director Susanne Quinlan says there are many people who might require the food bank’s services but don’t realize that, as an essential service, it is open.
“Every day we get a client that calls and says, ‘I was just wondering if you’re open yet.'” So the number of people that still believe that we’re closed, amazing, and we don’t want people to struggle. If a family that’s struggling comes here instead of going to a grocery store that’s very important.”
She says they processed food for more than 50 families on Friday.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, people wishing to receive food are asked to schedule a pick-up time by calling or going to the food bank’s website.
Gleaners can also deliver hampers.
Quinlan says they are desperately in need of volunteers.
“If you’re somebody out there and you have time on your hands and you know about COVID-19 protocol, we will train you to help us with delivering hampers. Because as an essential service we too need drivers and we provide all you shields, your masks, your gloves.”
Volunteers are also needed to answer phones and process orders.
Inside volunteers will be alone in a sanitized office.
And Quinlan says they are still accepting food donations.
“What we do is if people bring food, we isolate it for almost four days before we sort it. But people can check our website to see what we need – gleanersfoodbank.ca.”
Find the food bank online at gleanersfoodbank.ca.
You can also call the food bank at 613-962-9043.