After losing all of its supplies due to smoke damage, the South Porcupine Food Bank is rallying.
The food bank will be offering services out of a van starting tomorrow (June 29) from 1-3 p.m. in front of its location at 32 Main St.
Friday, June 25, a fire tore through apartments in the building. While the flames didn't reach the food bank, the location suffered smoke damage.
"Due to heavy smoke damage, all of our previous food and hygiene items and much of our equipment will sadly need to be disposed of and replaced. It is our intention to restore food bank operations as quickly as possible," said Melissa Narduzzi, South Porcupine Food Bank president, in a news release.
"In the meantime, we will be offering services out of our van in front of the food bank starting tomorrow on our regular days and times of operation."
Since the fire, people in the community have rallied to collect food and cash for the organization.
The food bank also noted it's received a $27,036 grant from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada too replace its 11-year-old cargo utility van.
A new 2021 RAM ProMaster 3500 has been ordered and is being built, said Narduzzi.
"In Canada, no one should have to go hungry. Strengthening food security for our most vulnerable populations is more important than ever, as we work together to fave the ongoing pandemic. With support through the Local Food Infrastructure Fund, the South Porcupine Food Bank will be better able to provide nutritious food to families when they need it most," said Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, in a news release.
People wishing to help can donate online here or mail a cheque to South Porcupine Food Bank, 32 Main Street, South Porcupine ON P0N 1H0.
