Let’s begin: Here is the Saskatoon Food Bank on the morning of October 18, 2020.
The Shaw-Zettner family takes turns filling out their voluntary documents before orienting themselves to the group. Part of her day as a Saskatoon Food Bank volunteer.
Zachary Sutton stands in front of a digital temperature reader. Saskatoon Food Bank volunteers are required to perform temperature checks prior to entering the building. This is the first step in a targeted effort to ensure the safety of volunteers and staff.
Nicole Barrett takes turns washing her hands as she and other volunteers safely prepare for their day. Sinks are marked to maintain social distance. In addition to the ones already in use, numerous hand sanitizing stations have been added. Volunteers also bring gloves to help them continue to comply with safety protocols.
Joshua Moore in the blue shirt cheerfully and actively greets volunteers with humor, while explaining the safety requirements and activities they will be doing at the Saskatoon Food Bank.
Volunteers listen to an area-specific focus for “Scan-a-Can”. This is part of a reclamation project that is sorting out former grocery stores and tagging them either for charitable distribution to communities or as a last resort for the garbage heap. This effort reduces waste and at the same time creates a channel for feeding underserved regions.
Luis Liera takes finished “Scan-a-Can” boxes from the roller line and carefully packs them onto a pallet. After loading, the pallet is shrink-wrapped and prepared for distribution to underserved regions and other regions in need.
Cathy White volunteers in the “Backpack” area and puts cereal in a bag. Each volunteer station packs items that are distributed to children.
Nicole Barrett is assembling a senior box. Each box contains canned fruit and vegetables as well as dry food.
Debbie Sohmer, a volunteer, holds an armful of half-gallon milk cartons in preparation for delivery to the next car in line at West Saskatoon Assistance Ministries on October 30th.
Volunteers tag vehicles to identify people or families with a variety of unique needs. In addition to specialty foods such as gluten-free, sugar-free, vegan and vegetarian options, products such as diapers for children and adults are also available. And of course, pets will be recognized as part of the family on October 30th at West Saskatoon Assistance Ministries.
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