FERNDALE, Wash. — The expected grab-and-go version of Saturday’s Community Meal has been canceled according to organizers.
The twice-monthly Community Meal at the United Church of Ferndale scheduled for Saturday, March 28th, from 10am to noon has been canceled according to Suzanne Nevan, executive director of the Ferndale Food Bank. Nevan said they were not comfortable with being able to successfully accomplishing the grab and go process citing a need for more planning and volunteers.
The Community Meal has been served on the 2nd and 4th Saturday each month for years. But it has been cancelled both days this month due to social distancing mandates implemented to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 disease. Meals are provided on a donation-optional basis benefiting the Ferndale Food Bank.
But, Nevan pointed out, things are going well at the Ferndale Food Bank as it continues to operate on its normal schedule while providing curbside service. Nevan explained, “Once we fulfill orders for our clients, they grab their shopping carts from the curb and load it in the cars.” She said they have been able to maintain the usual amount of food going out while increasing fresh fruits and vegetables.
The Ferndale Food Bank has been receiving more “grocery rescue” items while the Bellingham Food Bank has suspended their food donations, Nevan said.
“Our volunteers continue to work diligently to feed the hungry in our community,” Nevan said. She added they did lose some volunteers who felt uncomfortable coming in due to advanced age. “It’s been a miracle that others have stepped up. Unbelievably I have not been short on staff at all. We have been benefiting from Ferndale school district teachers coming to help us as well as Christ the King Ferndale organizing volunteer shifts.”