When the government announced that all non-essential businesses were to close, many found themselves laid off from their jobs. In fact, at the Food Bank we had to layoff many vulnerable volunteers to keep them safe while COVID-19 was prevalent in the community. That left the Food Bank with some big volunteer holes to fill! That’s when we met Jess.
Read More›April and May have been busy months. Our staff have been hard at work sourcing new food suppliers when the existing suppliers were facing shortages, reconfiguring our distribution centre to ensure physical distancing and setting up additional Food Bank Neighbourhood Satellites with support from United Way. We also partnered with other Archway programs and community organizations to help distribute food to people who need it most – including seniors’ programs, temporary foreign workers and the Abbotsford School District.
Read More›What’s happening to Starfish Pack while schools are closed? Although we have been faced with food shortages, proximity limits and so many unknown factors, thanks to our generous community we have a plan to continue feeding hungry students and families.
Read More›In the same way we adapt to the changing seasons throughout the year, Archway Food Bank has had to adapt how we operate given the unpredictable season we’re in. In our attempt to increase guest safety due to growing concerns surrounding the spread of COVID-19, we have had to adapt how we deliver some of our services.
We are taking precautions to keep our guests safe. This includes adapting the amount of people in the building at one time, ensuring the amount of times food is handled is kept to a minimum, increasing sanitation of surfaces and washing hands constantly. COVID-19 is hitting the Food Bank hard. Not only are we operating with limited staff and volunteers, but the demand in service has increased significantly and it’s only the beginning. With decrease in manpower and increase in service demand, we have had to make some tough choices.
Read More›Updated Aug 30
When visiting indoors – please be advised that masks are required.
We want to ensure our guests, volunteers, and donors that the team here at the Archway Food Bank is doing our very best to respond as restrictions change and evolve in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our goal is to keep providing access to food for individuals and families, and we’ll adapt and change the way we distribute food to keep people safe. We believe people should not go hungry and that continues to be our mission now more than ever.
Read More›COVID-19 Update to Canadian Food Bank Network
COVID-19 Information
Misinformation about COVID-19 abounds. We strongly encourage all food bankers to continue to refer to credible sources of information about the spread of COVID-19 as well as guidance on how to respond. These sources include regional public health departments, Health Canada and the World Health Organization.
- Health Canada provides regular updates online: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html
- The World Health Organization is also providing regular global updates online: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019