Skip to content

Innisfil Food Bank helps families cope with COVID-19

COVID-19 kits include cleaning supplies and a face mask

“Everyone is wanting to help during these COVID-19 days.”

The speaker is Howard Courtney, pastor of the Innisfil Community Church, which operates the Innisfil Food Bank.

These days, 'helping out' has gone beyond providing non-perishable food items for a growing number of Innisfil residents who are facing hard times. The church has also prepared 200 “COVID-19 kits” for distribution, mainly to food bank clients and others in need in the community.

Pastor Courtney explains: “As I thought about what we could do, I came up with this idea to create a COVID-19 kit, similar to what is done during flood responses where clean-up kits are distributed.”

Each ‘kit’ includes a large box of Arm and Hammer laundry soap – described as “a great preventative in the spread of germs on clothing,” that “contributes to the health and safety of your family and our community;” a 10-pack of Ivory Snow hand soap bars; a bottle of Tresemmé shampoo; a reusable and washable hand-made face mask, and a $100 gift card for either Sobeys or No Frills in Alcona. 

The idea is that recipients can use $25 per week, to purchase fresh milk, bread and other perishables not normally included in the food boxes handed out by the food bank.

Total cost of the COVID Kit program is $25,000 – more than covered by a $20,000 grant from the Town of Innisfil, and a $6,000 grant from Enbridge.

“Ordering supplies was a challenge, but we have it mostly completed and received and assembled,” ready to be handed out, Pastor Courtney says - thanks to a small army of volunteers who helped pack the items in green reusable bags..

The COVID-19 kits also include helpful information on financial assistance available from InnPower, the Innisfil Helping Hand $50 emergency grant program, as well as ideas for activities for children, and ways to keep families safe.


Reader Feedback

Miriam King

About the Author: Miriam King

Miriam King is a journalist and photographer with Bradford Today, covering news and events in Bradford West Gwillimbury and Innisfil.
Read more