Winter 2022
Winter report discussing covid impact, volunteer spotlight, what’s in our emergency food hampers, and the new community liaison team
Winter report discussing covid impact, volunteer spotlight, what’s in our emergency food hampers, and the new community liaison team
Wishing a happy new year and information regarding the 2020 – 2021 annual report. Reflecting on the year and looking into the future.
A volatile combination of high housing costs, pandemic job losses, rising food costs and an anticipated further pull-back on government supports is creating a “perfect storm” that has Canada’s food banks bracing for a “tidal wave” of new clients in the months ahead. And our food bank is not an exception!
What is highlighted in times of disaster – be it fire, flood or pandemic – is that food needs to be part of the response; unfortunately, it is rarely considered. Policy around food does not engage with the established food service charities providing the stop gap. Food banks and food service organizations are experts in the implementation of food safety, public health and social wellbeing. We advocate for change and client security in the long run.
In the last two weeks, we have worked diligently, implementing our pandemic response plan. It includes complex logistics that ensure thousands of people receive Essential Food Hampers through revised processes. The impact is considerable, and we continue to be focused on providing food and services while ensuring safety. We acted immediately but our systems are built to last.