Helping Hand Food Bank remains open
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The Helping Hand Food Bank in Tillsonburg is open – with some minor procedural changes.
“I just want people to know we are open,” said Helping Hand coordinator Joan Clarkson on Monday afternoon.
“For health reasons, we do have some restrictions,” said Clarkson, noting COVID-19 (coronavirus) concerns. “For now, one client will be coming inside at a time. Each person waiting outside will be given a number, and everyone will take their turn.”
In making temporary changes, Helping Hand Food Bank is following the guidelines of Canada Food Banks and Public Health.
“Whatever happens, we do whatever Public Health says,” said Clarkson, who has also been in contact with the Town of Tillsonburg.
“We are going to be open,” she stressed, but anticipates it might take a little longer to distribute food on Wednesday from 12-4 p.m. (extended from 12:30-4).
“We’re going to pre-pack everything. So when they come in they will give us their name and basic information and we will give them the bags of food. The bags are going to be pre-packed – so it will be as efficient and fast as we can make it.
“They’ll be given a number and when their number is called they will come in and be given their bag, and then send them on their way. It should be pretty fast.”
Bread selections will be available in the lobby, she noted.
“It’s very important that we will keep cleaning the doors and everything like that,” said Clarkson. “I know that it (COVID-19) is not here yet, but it could be.”
And consistent with other COVID-19 policies in town, if you are sick – avoid the food bank.
Only a limited number of Helping Hand Food Bank volunteers will be in contact with the public while the changes are in effect.
If you are a potential new client to the Helping Hand Food Bank, call 519-688-3434 and a separate appointment will be set up (leave message and contact number).
cabbott@postmedia.com
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