Food banks all over the country are either reporting an increase in usage or are preparing for one as we end the month.
In Yarmouth, Reverend Bill Newell says at this time, they would prefer a financial donation rather than food.
“‘Cause it’s hard to predict where things come from, so we try to order through the stores and get our supplies that way and, so far, people have been stepping up and helping out, you know, I’d say for this time of year, our donations are picking up a bit.”
Reverend Newell says the Yarmouth Food Bank is still within their normal numbers, although he expects that to change.
“Fot the four weeks, we’re up to our normal monthly capacity so, whatever comes in this coming week will be an increase in the numbers. Now, I expect that to pick up more because it looks like the government assistance is not going to get out ’til the middle or latter part of April.”
He says they have protocols in place to ensure the volunteers and clients are as safe as possible, including only allowing three in at a time.
“We’re keeping the physical distance when they come to register then, when they go to the window to get their food, we’re handling the not inside from staff to staff as to how many in the family and that type of thing. Then they put it on the counter and push it up to the window and people pack their own bags.”
To increase the safety of the food packages they handle, Reverend Newell is asking people to make monetary donations so that they can deal directly with the stores.
Anyone wishing to make a donation can make a cheque out to the Yarmouth Food Bank and either mail it or drop it in their mailbox.
