Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Edmonton’s Food Bank, like everyone around the world, has become very aware of physical distancing. To make the safety of staff and volunteers a priority, many things in and around Edmonton’s Food Bank needed to be reconfigured. Some of these new systems included enlarging the distance between aisles in the warehouse where hampers are packed (in some cases, aisles were even removed entirely) and making more space available to move within the storage area. In doing this, it became evident that more capacity was required.
“In order to space out some of our operations and to create physical distancing in our current warehouses, we want to move some items to a different warehouse on a temporary basis. These surplus items include boxes, bins, Candy Cane Lane support material, etc.” said Marjorie Bencz, Executive Director.
It was at this time that the warehouse directly across from Edmonton’s Food Bank, owned by Imperial Equities, was offered at no cost for 6 months. The 10,000 ft2 building will be available for equipment storage and to create space to ensure work areas allow for adequate distance between staff, volunteers, donors, and clients.
“We are very pleased to be able to provide this space to Edmonton’s Food Bank during this crucial time,” said Sine Chadi, President and CEO of Imperial Equities Inc.
Edmonton’s Food Bank is very appreciative of the donation and looks forward to continuing its work of helping Edmontonians in need.