Names for photo: (Left to Right) Miranda Giroux, right, Laurie Alton. Missing from the photo Mohammad El Fitori, Goldie Tunney and Kelsey Michaud
The Petawawa Pantry Food Bank and Mental Health Services of Renfrew County (MHSRC) have teamed up during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure clients in crisis have access to basic necessities such as food and personal care products.
The pilot project was launched in January of 2021 and crisis boxes with non-perishable items, personal care items and a $10 grocery gift card were delivered to those in need.
The project was made permanent last June based on its success and in 2021 alone, a total of 695 boxes were prepared and distributed, including nearly $7,000 worth of grocery gift cards.
Laurie Alton, the President and Co-Founder of The Petawawa Pantry Food Bank who also works for Mental Health Services of Renfrew County, says throughout 2020 and 2021, the foodbank reached out to 25 social service agencies and organizations which serve Petawawa. Through this collaboration, a connection was made with the region’s Mental Health Services Mobile Crisis Team which works with residents who find themselves unhoused or insecurely housed.
Volunteers Mohammad Elfitori, Goldie Tunney, and Kelsey Michaud were acknowledged for their assistance in helping getting the program up and running.
MHSRC Crisis Worker Miranda Giroux says this initiative has been pivotal for our clients in the community and has brought an ease of access for food to our most vulnerable clients. Giroux adds this partnership has allowed the Crisis Team to better support clients who are in need of basic necessities such as food, and hygiene items.
Director for Mental Health Services Renfrew County, Mireille Delorme, says food security is essential for mental health and they are thankful for the opportunity to collaborate with the Petawawa Pantry Food Bank on this important initiative.
The Petawawa Pantry Food Bank opened its storefront location in December of 2016.
Food bank secretary, Linda Paterson, says it’s necessary to seek new and innovative ways to access people who are food insecure, and to improve aspects of the service.
Paterson says it has become apparent that a storefront model, for a food bank is not always the most
efficient, effective or cost effective method of providing service.
Volunteer manager Wayne O’Regan agreed and noted that there are many reasons local residents may need to turn to a food bank for assistance. O’Regan says by supplying these boxes to local crisis workers, they’ve discovered new ways to support those in our community.