Sydney Drive-Up Food Bank Safely Meets Community Needs

With social distancing and safety as our top priorities, The Salvation Army is working to come up with unique ways to meet the ongoing needs of the communities we serve.

In Cape Breton, Family Services Coordinator, Nicole Maclean, found a creative way to keep their community food bank operating in Sydney—a drive-up window. This solution allows for proper social distancing, while ensuring the safety of clients, volunteers and front-line workers.

“Our clients are thanking us for staying open and taking the necessary precautions.”

“People can drive or walk up to the window to be served,” explains Major Corey Vincent, who oversees The Salvation Army in Sydney. “We only allow representatives from each family to come up and we have tape on the ground to remind people the importance of social distancing.”

When a client drives up to the window, Nicole is there to ask what their needs are. Then, two dedicated volunteers, who are a married couple, prepare the box of food and necessities and place it outside the door for pick-up.

“People can drive or walk up to the window to be served.”

“This method allows us to serve our clients at no risk to our staff or volunteers,” says Corey. “Our clients are thanking us for staying open and taking the necessary precautions.”

The Salvation Army continues to provide essential services across Canada throughout the COVID-19 crisis. To donate, visit SalvationArmy.ca or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY

By Angela Rafuse