Food banks on the frontlines; food insecurity becoming a rising concern

BY JANIECE CAMPBELL

Many food banks and charities across Canada are seeking donations as the demand for food becomes increasingly significant due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the current economic instability leads to more layoffs and temporary unemployment, food banks are seeing a steep decline in donations at an urgent time of need.

One of these reputable organizations is The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army is a faith-based organization, providing support to 400 communities across Canada since 1882. In the last year, The Salvation Army food banks assisted nearly 1.2 million men, women and children. The organization was founded by a minister, William Booth, who took his message of hope to the poor and hungry. Over 150 years later, their vision still remains the same.

“We aim to serve the suffering humanity. We look for people who are hurting and we try to fill that need. We see every individual as equal in the eyes of God and worthy of respect and dignity. We want to do everything we can to serve them and raise them up,” says Major Rob Kerr, the Divisional Secretary for Public Relation.

The Salvation Army is currently active in 131 countries, providing a multitude of programs outside of food insecurity. Within various communities worldwide they offer emergency shelters, rehabilitation services for those struggling with substance abuse, thrift stores and churches.

Recently, many donations received have come from local restaurants that were forced to close down because of the pandemic. While the unfortunate response is quite positive for the sustenance of The Salvation Army, they still require the efforts of the community. Currently, they are seeking donations of items with a decent shelf life that deliver the necessary nutrients adhering to the Canadian food guide. Some examples may include:

• Food
  • Starches (rice, pasta, cereals)
  • Spreads (jams, honey, peanut butter)
  • Canned goods, meats and vegetables
  • Infant foods and baby formula
• Personal hygiene products
  • Shower needs (soap, shampoo, deodorant)
  • Clothing (socks, underwear)
  • Diapers
  • Feminine products

Major Rob notes that any product donated does not get processed immediately. Due to the rapid widespread ability of the virus, they are required to take heightened precautions to ensure the safety of everyone involved with the food handling.

“Any donations of food received gets quarantined for three days, as we’re aware that the virus can sit on a surface for up to three days. After the three days where it remained untouched, it goes through a sorting process. The volunteers and staff who sort the product are wearing protective equipment like masks and gloves, and anyone going through the food areas are completely screened,” he says. “In the way we provide food to people, social distancing is forced. There is very minimal contact. Surfaces are sanitized between every visit to the food bank. We are working to ensure that the entire process is safe. It’s important for us to do this, as people need the food to go home and feed their families.”

The Salvation Army drop off station is located at Railside Distribution Centre, 150 Railside Rd in Scarborough.  All donations can be safely placed in the bins within the parking lot. The station will be open Monday to Friday each week from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Financial donations via the website or through the phone number 1-800-SAL-ARMY are also highly encouraged in order to minimize the risk of spreading the virus.

“The Salvation Army has continued to operate and keep our doors open through all of this. We have not closed one of the locations. We will continue to serve the people in our communities, it’s vitally important. But at this time, more than ever, we need the community more than ever,” Major Rob says.