Like many other organizations across the world, the Okotoks Food Bank Association has had to adjust to new regulations and standards brought about due to the pandemic.

With volunteers handling food items throughout the sorting process, and clients entering the building regularly, proximity is something that has had to be addressed.

The organization has also seen an influx of clients in the wake of widespread layoffs.

In light of these circumstances, the Okotoks Food Bank Association has implemented new measures to continue providing the much needed support while ensuring the safety of the public.

Whereas clients are usually invited to select items from the "Help Yourself Shelf" and leave with two bags of dry goods and one with bread and other baked goods, in order to conserve food, clients are now given two pre-filled bags, with limited interaction between clients and volunteers.

Staples items are selected, with a variety of canned goods and bread making up most of the bags.

Executive Director Pamela McLean says these changes to their day-to-day operations may seem extreme, though they're very necessary.

"The measures that we've put in place, as you can imagine, they feel pretty draconian, but it's one of those necessary evils but we will do it. We will do it for the safety of everyone and to make sure we stay open. It's an extremely important to be open, to be able to have food ready to distribute."

It's important to note that food bank hasn't gone unsupported through this time of worldwide crisis.

From Monday, March 16th to Friday, March 20th, over $30,000 in donations poured in from residents.

Two thirds of that amount was donated by Bar None Ranches, with the remainder trickling in from residents.

McLean says residents seem to have taken it upon themselves to step up.

"That's from no plea from us, that is the goodness of Albertans recognizing that their fellow citizen is going to have a hard time over the next while."

Progress on the food bank's new location is also progressing nicely.

With the health inspection having been bumped to Thursday, March 26th, McLean says she has her fingers crossed that the new facility will be open without any further delays.

Regular COVID-19 updates and other information on the Okotoks Food Bank Association can be found here.

 

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