Food Security and Adapted Services are Meeting Needs in Kingston

As daily life was being affected by the COVID-19 virus in early March, The Salvation Army’s Community and Family Services in Kingston experienced dramatic increases in just two short weeks, with the number of community members accessing services doubling.

While most services in the community have been put on hold due to physical distancing and public health concerns, The Salvation Army’s staff are continuing to find ways to communicate and connect with those they serve.

Safety precautions have been put in place, including not having individuals come into the building to receive items from the Food Bank, but rather having pre-packaged food items available for pick up.

Bonita McCourt, Director of Community and Family Services in Kingston, explains, “We are making sure that we are fulfilling the total needs of our families by adapting the items we provide.”

The pre-packed food hampers include a higher quantity of food items such as fresh produce, fruit and milk, as well as more proteins with meat and vegan options.  The food hampers also contain health essentials such as personal hygiene products and hand soap to ensure everyone has the ability to wash their hands.

“These pre-packed food hampers are also a great opportunity to provide important information to families, such as instructions on ways to stay safe and what support is available in the community”, says Bonita.

Additional information provided includes pastoral care cards, and phone numbers to call if they need someone to talk to.

The Salvation Army’s Community and Family Services in Kingston has partnered with local food and meal provider groups to meet the needs of the most vulnerable in our community with takeaway lunches and dinners available.

In addition to the takeaway meals, they are creating specific care packages for the most vulnerable, including food items that do not need to be refrigerated, and clothing items such as socks.

Members of the community who are looking for housing support can receive support provided over the phone. “Our Case Workers are still here and available to answer questions or address concerns for anything to do with housing” says Bonita.

All the services provided by The Salvation Army in Kingston, including food, housing, pastoral care and more can be accessed through the same phone number. Please call 613 548 4411 for further assistance.

If you like to support the work of The Salvation Army please visit http://www.salvationarmy.ca or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

By Heather Prystanski