Message from the food banks - call us

Jeff Green | Apr 22, 2020

During normal times, food banks use means tests, and they have protocols to make sure that their limited capacity can stretch far enough to support people that need the help.

In the covid-iverse, however, when the priority is for everyone to stay safe and at home, the most important protocol for food banks is “to keep our volunteers and are clients safe, and for those who can’t pickup their orders to know that our volunteers will deliver,” said Kim Cucoch, President of the North Frontenac Food Bank, which is based in Sharbot Lake.

“Although we have seen an uptick in orders, we are concerned we are not getting to everyone in need as they may be worried, they will not qualify because they are getting CERB, EI or any other supplement. Call us! We will help you. People with full or part time employment that are struggling to get through the month. Call us!,” she said.

The food bank is supported by the local community all the time, but in the current climate the support has been stronger than ever, but more is always needed in order to provide support for all who need it now and will need it even more in the coming months.

“We want to say a big thank you to all those who have donated money and food to help us during this unprecedented time. If you are in a position to donate food, we have a bin in the alcove to the left of the food bank door. You can also drop off on Tuesday or Friday morning between 9:30 am and 10:30 am. For cash donations, we have finally gotten our account on line.

“And, as an all volunteer run food bank I need to thank all the volunteers at the North Frontenac Food Bank, especially now during volunteer week, for doing such a great job making sure all our clients get their food in a safe and timely manner,” she said.

The South Frontenac Food Bank, which is run by Southern Frontenac Community Services (SFCS), increased its rach from 45 to 70 families between February and March, and April is proving to be busier yet.

But the message to the community is the same as their compatriots in Sharbot Lake, call us.

“If you need food, come and get it, and if you can’t come and get it, we can get it to you. That’s what we need people to know,” said David Townsend, Executive Director of SFCS.

He said that, with extra efforts from the staff and volunteers, the food bank has been able to keep up with demand.

“We are starting to show some holes in our supply a little bit, but we have great relations with the Foodland stores in Sydenham and Verona. We just need to call them and they can get us what we need to keep up. Even as they are working so hard these days, they don’t forget us. When we run short of anything, we make sure to get it,” he said.

Donations of money, earmarked for food services, enable SFCS to keep the Food Bank stocked, and extend their meals on wheels program which is so popular with seniors.

To contact the South Frontenac Food bank, call 613-376-6477, ext. 203.

For information about the food bank, go to https://www.sfcsc.ca/food-bank-more-info

To contact the North Frontenac Food Bank for a food order or to donate, call 613-532-8855 and leave a message. The foodbank is now accepting donations though e-transfer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by cheque to North Frontenac Food Bank 14152 Rd. 38, PO Box 151, Sharbot Lake, K0H 2P0

In Northbrook, for referrals to the local food bank, contact Richelle Lessard at 613-336-8934. To contact the Denbigh Community Food Bank call Gail 613-333-2224 or Cheryl, 613-333-2291.