A cash crunch, self-isolation and food: solutions in Rossland
By Rossland Telegraph
Food is essential, so Ferraro’s remains open to serve Rossland while other retailers must close their doors. But there are many among us for whom obtaining food is a challenge in these times – for some, because income that was already in short supply is suddenly absent; and for seniors and the immune-compromised, because self-isolation means not going to the store.
There are solutions to both challenges.
Clients of Rossland’s Food Bank will now be able to shop there every week, following new procedures; and, in addition to the many fine citizens who have privately offered to fetch groceries for their neighbours, a group of Rossland Rotarians have volunteered to shop and deliver groceries for seniors and the immune-compromised.
For the Food Bank’s announcement, and its new procedures, see below; for the list of helpful Rotarians who are delivering groceries to self-isolating seniors and the immune-compromised, and how to pay for those groceries, read on – it’s just below the Food bank information.
Rossland Food Bank Announcement:
The Rossland Food Bank reaffirms our commitment to help our community during challenging times. The COVID-19 pandemic is causing hardship for people everywhere, including financial uncertainty for many people in Rossland.
For the foreseeable future we will be open for all clients to shop with us weekly. The Food Bank is located at 1860 2nd Avenue (South side of the Rossland Arena) and will be open each Monday evening from 5pm-7pm and Tuesday from 10am-12 noon.
To minimize the health risks associated with the Coronavirus, we have developed new procedures for both our volunteers and clients.
For our shoppers, this means that you will no longer be allowed to enter the Food Bank building and we ask that you do not bring your own shopping bags with you from home.
New Procedure for Food Bank shoppers
· When you arrive at the Food Bank please approach the table which will be set up across the door in which you would usually enter.
· Sign in with the volunteer at the table. If you are new to the Rossland Food Bank, you will be able to register with a volunteer for our services.
· You will be handed a shopping list where you can tick off the items you would like for the week. Return the shopping list to the volunteer.
· Wait outside while a volunteer will gather your requested items and put them in shopping bags for you. These bags will then be brought back outside for you.
· Enjoy your food and remember that you can now shop with us every week!
If you’re interested in helping with the Food Bank by making a donation or volunteering your time, please contact us by email at rosslandfoodbank@gmail.com. We also welcome and appreciate donations of non-perishable food items at the drop-off point in Ferraro Foods.
The Rotary Club’s volunteer delivery service:
The following Rotarians have kindly volunteered to pick up from Rossland Ferraro’s and deliver groceries for seniors and the immune-compromised. Give them a call if you need that service.
Payment: Ferraro’s will call for your credit card number when the groceries are being rung in at the till, and your volunteer shopper will bring you the groceries.
John Sullivan — 250-551-2259
Louis Dionne — 514-816-3435
Chris Trautman — 604-866-7332
Mike Ramsay — 250-362-7787
Bill Profili — 250-512-7671
We send a big community thank-you to these great-spirited people.
Image below from Ferraro Foods FaceBook page:
