HKPR District Health Unit – Feed the Need – Donations to Local Food Banks Can Still Be Done Safely During COVID-19

Area residents who plan to donate to local food banks as part of their holiday gift-giving are encouraged to do so safely even during the pandemic.

The newly-released Hunger Report 2020 from Feed Ontario shows COVID-19 has led to a significant increase in food bank use in Ontario. With the onset of COVID-19, Ontario food banks saw a 26% increase in first-time visitors between March and June 2020, according to the report. Demand continues to be high during the second wave of the pandemic. With food bank use on the rise in this area as well, the need for donations has never been greater and that makes it important to ensure all items are healthy and safe, according to the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit.

“During COVID-19 and with the festive season on the horizon, donations to food banks are welcomed,” says Richard Ovcharovich, Manager of Health Protection with the HKPR District Health Unit. “By being informed and following guidelines, we can ensure donated food items are safe and do not pose a health risk.”

Area residents are encouraged to follow these guidelines when donating to local food banks:

 

Public Health Inspectors with the Health Unit work closely with food bank staff in Haliburton County, Northumberland County and the City of Kawartha Lakes to ensure the safety of food. Regular and routine inspections of these food premises are done, and the Health Unit also provides guidelines to food banks for the safe handling, storage and distribution of food.

Author: Pete Fisher

Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love

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