Community rallies to support food needs with new depot

Braydon Scully, Tony Walton and Elis Ziegler among volunteers handing out boxes of food at the new depot set up at the Picton Town Hall.

Activity unfolding at the Picton Town Hall is accomplishing what its new board had hoped for – serving needs of the community.

Dedicated volunteers have opened a temporary food distribution depot, working with the County council’s COVID-19 Task Team for Food and Food Insecurity and the County Food Collective to expand access to food during the pandemic.

This has been a great community effort,” said councillor John Hirsch, task team member with councillors Kate MacNaughton and Bill Roberts.

“Because of the widespread economic impact of the virus, there are many people out there in dire financial straits, wondering how they will pay for groceries to feed themselves and their families,” he said. “We are heartened to see community members rally to support their neighbours during these tough times.”

The new Food Depot at the Picton Town Hall is meant to supplement existing County foodbanks, he said, as they don’t really have the ability to scale up their quantities.

The food banks are part of the effort, being accomplished by the County Food Collective which includes The County Foundation, Food to Share, HPE Public Health, Prince Edward Learning Centre, County Food Hub and Community Development of Quinte. Together they are working with the Picton Town Hall board.

“The genesis of this plan is based on the expectation that with a large increase in unemployment and the collapse of the tourism sector, in particular, due to the virus, there will be more folks who need help with basics like food,” said Hirsch.

The County Foundation has started a fund to pay for the food – with more than $55K raised so far. Hirsch notes grants are expected from provincial and federal initiatives around the COVID-19 crisis.

The County Foundation hopes to raise $100,000 to support foodbanks, food initiatives and groups providing support in the areas connected to food and health. The municipality encourages anyone who can give, to do so. Visit The County Foundation website for more details and to donate.

If you, or someone you know, requires support now or in the future, call the County’s COVID-19 help line at 1.833.676.2148. Municipal staff will provide information about the various food programs that are available and how you can access the support.

The County and The Food Collective launched the food depot site at Picton Town Hall Friday and plans to be open every Friday. Residents are encouraged to call ahead (1.833.676.2148) to arrange for no contact pick up between noon and 3 pm. (Time updated)