THUNDER BAY – The agency that feeds regional food banks may soon need a top-up from the community, as COVID-19 restrictions leave it trying to do more with less.
The Regional Food Distribution Association has recently run short on some staples, reported executive director Volker Kromm.
While the agency has received enhanced supports from government during the pandemic, it’s also played a growing role distributing food to organizations across northwestern Ontario.
“We’re starting to run out of some of the key items – you know, we never have enough peanut butter,” Kromm said. “It’s becoming clear that if we’re going to be in this for the long haul, we’re going to have to start either buying or asking for donations from the public.”
Ontario’s recent lockdown measures only exacerbated the challenges of operating during the pandemic, with the RFDA further restricting the number of volunteers it could accept while ensuring full adherence to public health guidelines.
“It’s getting tougher,” Kromm said. “We’re trying to accommodate all the emergency requests from communities that are struggling. So it’s very, very busy, and we’re down to skeleton staff and some key volunteers.”
In December, the organization temporarily took over the former ACT Labs hangar at the Thunder Bay International Airport, to provide more space for volunteers to assemble food hampers.
The RFDA continues to accept, and encourage, donations, he said. Items can still be dropped off at its Syndicate Avenue location in its foyer, thanks to a double-door system. Donations can also be arranged by contacting them directly.
