South Shore Food Share Adapts to the COVID-19 Pandemic

A local woman, Marianna Burda co-founded the South Shore Food Share four years ago located in the rural community of Crapaud, PEI. The idea was sparked in 2016 by a story from her daughter, she says.

“one day my daughter had come home from school and was shocked to learn that someone in the community was going hungry and all they were able to eat that day was one bowl of cereal with water on it, that was split between the whole family”. Burda shared.  

So, she took it upon herself to phone some friends and start a food bank since the closest food banks are both 30 minutes away from the community. It all started out of her house, “My daughter and I had groceries organized, lining up and down the hallway an along the stairs” she says.

It was soon apparent that the organization became much larger than it was ever imagined, and more space was needed to feed the number of people relying on the food bank for help. She luckily found a perfect location beside the local library in the middle of the community.  

The food bank now supports many families through the rural area and surrounding communities, providing drop offs along with a bin outside of the location to create a non-contact pick-up during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

When the pandemic struck, Co-founder Marianna Burda says the number of clients increased by an astounding 10 times what it was before. “As soon as lock down struck, people lost jobs and their source of income creating panic across the island.” Burda says.

 

The food bank struggled finding available groceries during the lockdown period like many others. To work around Covid-19 protocols the food bank invested in gift cards to work around the lockdown, making online grocery shopping easy and accessible for their clients.

“We were not sure if we could replenish our stock during the pandemic so we made the switch to adding gift cards along with some groceries for our clients” Burda says.

No client was going to go hungry though. Burda stayed busy during the lockdown taking in new clients, organizing bags and gift cards for their non-contact pick up boxes outside the facility.

Rural communities in small areas like PEI have struggled in the past to acquire essential services for their people whether it is doctor offices, schools or something as simple as a convenience store. Therefore, the community is very grateful for what they have been given and the extra boost during the pandemic.

Some people have also finding ways to give back in return for the help during this time of uncertainty by supporting the food banks fundraisers, donating money, or food. The food bank has received numerous donations from many farmers in particular, whether it’s packaged meat, eggs, or turkeys for the holiday season.  

The impact the food bank has had on the community is greater than just feeding people who are in need. Burda talks about one client in particular who originally came to the food bank seeking help to get back on their feet.  This person is now frequently involved with donating to the South Shore Food Share.