These are certainly challenging times and you’ve been hearing a lot about the Sudbury Food Bank and our 44 member agencies doing extra fundraising to meet the needs of our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. For the first time many local families will find themselves in a position to need help keeping food on the table.
This is a guide for first-time users so you can get a sense of the way it works. There is a list of area food banks serving different areas of the city on the Food Bank Website at sudburyfoodbank.ca.
These groups are funded and provided food through the main Sudbury Food Bank hub on Webbwood.
Please reach out if you need us.

~Mell-President of the Sudbury Food Bank Board of Directors~

First-time Food Bank Users: FAQ
The Sudbury Food Bank wants to ensure that no one goes hungry during this pandemic. If you need help we are here for you.

We understand that you may need to use a community food bank for the first time.
Here are some pointers to help make your visit an easy experience.

1. How do I find out where the closest food bank is?
For food bank locations, hours of operation and phone numbers:
• visit www.sudburyfoodbank.ca
• call 211 (Ontario Community and Social Services Help Line) and give them your postal code

2. What information do I need to provide to the food bank?
All you need when you visit a food bank is provide your name and postal code and a piece of ID that verifies that information. ID such as:
• driver’s license
• utility or other bill
• correspondence from the city or province

3. Do I need to show ID every time?
Yes. At each visit, you need to provide your name and postal code and ID that confirms this information (see #2 above).

4. How much food will I receive in one visit?
You will be given enough food for 5 to 6 days, depending on the number in your family and what is available.

5. Should I take my own bags?
No. Food will already be bagged for you.

6. How often can I visit the food bank?
Normally people visit food banks once a month for emergency food supplies. Due to the present circumstances, many food banks are offering two visits per month.

7. Can I visit more than one food bank?
No. You may only visit a food bank allocated to your postal code.

8. Generally, what can I expect to receive in my bag(s) of food?
You will receive pantry items based on what is available. For example: pasta & sauce, canned fruit, vegetables & beans, peanut butter. You will also receive fresh fruit & vegetables and bread. Milk, eggs & meat will be distributed when available.

9. How are the food banks keeping physical distance between me and the volunteers?
Currently, the volunteers are limiting the number of people into the food bank at any one time.
Volunteers put premade bag(s) on the service area between you. The quantity is based on your family requirements. Once the food bank volunteer moves back from the service area, you come forward, pick up your bag(s), and leave.
Volunteers wipe down the service area between serving people, and as often as possible.

10. I have mobility issues or must self-isolate. How can I access my local food bank?
Please call your local food bank provider (see #1 above). There are many people volunteering their time to help people just like you.

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