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The Central Okanagan Food Bank is bracing for some tough times like a lot of people are. People are losing work because of all the closures related to COVID-19 meaning demand on food banks is expected to increase. And at the same time, the economic impact affects many of those who regularly offer financial support.
"Our goal is to stay open as long as we possibly can," said spokesperson Tammie Watson. "We've reduced the hamper sizes slightly so we can stretch it out as long as we possibly can."
The facility has made big changes in how it interacts with clients and how food hampers are dispersed. No longer do people arrive and stroll around with shopping carts. Instead, they remain in their vehicles.
"Volunteers come out and verify that not only they have a booked appointment, but they're registered," she said. "The hamper is brought out to the client's vehicle and it's put right into their trunk so that interaction is limited."
The strange, hoarding behaviour we've seen from some members of the public in grocery stores hasn't directly affected the foodbank's ability to purchase, because they buy in bulk. But it has had an impact on their clients who end up in stores with limited resources only to find empty shelves. "This whole hoarding of food, it's not good for anyone," said Watson.
As for the measures at the food bank, there's always a chance of further changes ahead.
"We have to be fluid with this," she said. "We have to change as more announcements come through."
Changes at the Central Okanagan Food Bank have been relatively seamless, some other facilities, like Calgary, have had to close while changes are made in how food is handled.
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