Last week, the Burlington Food Bank reopened to the public — for the first time since 2020.
While the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the food bank to in-person visits, it also resulted in an increase in the need for its services. The Burlington Food Bank’s 2021 Hunger Report noted a 20% increase in the need for food assistance by Burlington residents. That’s a lot more of our neighbours, friends and family needing help putting food on the table. Last year saw another increase in the number of people requesting help from the food bank.
The food bank literally delivered their services to clients during the pandemic. While they always tried to accommodate dietary needs, clients were not able to choose specific items for the boxes of food that were delivered to them, so this re-opening is a big deal. Clients can once again choose their own groceries. Jon Williams, the marketing and community fundraising manager, noted that many clients were excited to be able to plan their meals again, rather than trying to make something up on the fly with whatever was delivered.
The Burlington Food Bank is now open Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., and on Thursday evenings, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. It is located at 1254 Plains Rd. E.
If you’d like to help the Burlington Food Bank, you can organize a food drive or other event, donate items or funds, or volunteer your time. The most-needed food items right now are hot and cold cereals; soup; juice; peanut-free granola bars; peanut butter; crackers; canned fruit; canned tomatoes; canned vegetables; and baked beans. As well as non-perishable food, the Burlington Food Bank also provides perishable food (like milk, eggs, and bread), and other necessary items like toiletries, cleaning supplies, and diapers.
