By Chris Brown

Community support

Food bank needs cash donations

Mar 26, 2020 | 1:25 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Times like these are when the work of the Medicine Hat & District Food Bank is most important and when it needs the most help.

Right now, the most pressing need is cash donations, says executive director Celina Symmonds.

“Food, of course, is a little difficult to get right now so when we have the opportunity to buy we need to have the cash to be able to do it,” Symmonds, says.

Considering the circumstances, the best way to donate right now is via e-transfer to donate@mhfoodbank.com

The food bank is doing what it can to keep employees, volunteers and clients safe while still helping the community during the COVID-10 pandemic.

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Instead of coming to the food bank for pickups, deliveries are being made to clients and left at the door.

Symmonds says the total number of people allowed in the food bank at one time is limited to 15 and extra precautions are being taken.

“We’re taking temperatures every hour, we are of course using social distancing and we are using gloves, making sure people are washing their hands and double-checking all of the measures are in place that Dr. Deena has suggested,” she said.

With regular volunteers unable to help because of concerns surrounding the virus, the food bank has received some help from local school staff.

Symmonds said teachers, teachers’ aides and family school liaison officers from Medicine Hat Public School Division and Prairie Rose School Division have been helping out and deliveries are being made aboard school buses.

It’s been a hectic time for everyone, but Symmonds has found a silver lining.

“We’re lucky because we get a front-row seat to see the best of people. So that’s a pretty big blessing.”