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The shelves at the Salvation Army food bank are still in need of replenishing, as donations have decreased during the unfolding of the COVID-19 crisis (Photo Credit: Facebook / Salvation Army Grande Prairie Community and Family Services)
food banks

GPREP asking residents to donate to local food banks during shortages caused by COVID-19

Mar 25, 2020 | 5:41 PM

The Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership (GPREP) is urging community members and residents who can, to donate to local food banks.

In a release, GPREP says there is an increased demand for food supports amid the ongoing economic and employment difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“GPREP is having ongoing conversations with local food banks to monitor their food supply as they experience greater demand,” said Dan Lemieux, Acting Director of Emergency Management for GPREP, in the release. “Many in our community are under an increasing financial strain and it may not be possible for everyone to donate.”

The food banks included in the area are the Salvation Army in Grande Prairie, and the Food Banks in Beaverlodge, Clairmont, Sexsmith & District, Wembley and Hythe.

Peter Kim, Executive Director of Community Services for the Salvation Army, says they are accepting all donations, including monetary.

“At this time, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, monetary donations are most beneficial as they provide the ability for us to purchase food directly from grocery stores,” said Kim in the release.

GPREP adds that the six partner municipalities continue to be in a State of Local Emergency, and that a State of Local Emergency needs to be renewed seven days after it’s declaration.