The Community Harvest Food Bank is once again opening up its doors for in-person pick ups and lunches.
Food bank president Deb McIntosh says returning to pre-pandemic service levels will be a slow roll out, but she is glad they are on their way.
The drop-in centre will be open in the basement of St. David’s Anglican Church at 614 Christina Place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Clients will still need to register for each day they plan to participate by dropping by in person or calling/texting 250-608-1047 between 9 - 10:30 a.m. Clients will be asked if they will want a take-out or dine-in lunch and if they need a hamper.
Coffee and tea will be available starting at 9:30 a.m.
Cold weather supplies such as hats, mitts, blankets, jackets etc. will be available for those who need them.
Harm reduction supplies are also available.
Shower coupons and laundry coupons are available in limited quantities.
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The food bank will now be limiting its delivery service to people that are house bound. However, transit tickets are available for those needing transportation.
If you have not accessed food bank services before and would like to, new-client intakes can be started by calling 250-608-1047.
“We are grateful to St. David’s Anglican Church for inviting us into their space and for their continued support,” said McIntosh.
“We also thank Food Banks BC, Food Banks Canada, plus local businesses, industries, organizations and individuals, as well as all the local media that help spread the word.”
McIntosh says, “We are also thankful to our volunteers — they all work with happy hearts to make sure all of our client’s needs get met.”
In 2022, the food bank provided more than 12,000 lunches, hundreds of hampers and 250 Christmas hampers, numerous harm reduction supplies, tents, sleeping bags, boots jackets, and mitts. They also provided emergency shelter for multiple clients.
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betsy.kline@castlegarnews.com
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