Major Sheldon Feener
FOOD FOR LIFE
Feeding our community during a pandemic In Victoria, the number of people unable to afford a place to live increases every day, significantly more so since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. “People without homes are sleeping in parks, beside trees and in forest clearings, feeling helpless, lonely, and unsure where their next meal is coming from,” explains Major Sheldon Feener, Executive Director Victoria Addictions & Recovery Centre (ARC). To meet the increased demand, Victoria ARC put forth a Food for Life program, ensuring people in need in their community were fed and hydrated. This was done with the help of their mobile feeding unit, a 34-foot-long Freightliner outfitted with a commercial kitchen. This community response unit (CRU) was operated by staff and volunteers, roving throughout the community twice a day every day, to the areas densely populated by the homeless. This program was made possible in part thanks to the donations received from the Victoria Rapid Relief Fund, initiated by Times Colonist with the Jawl family, and the Victoria Foundation. Our Emergency Disaster Service’s CRU is designed to support evacuees and first
responders during catastrophic events, with the ability to feed up to 1,000 people every hour. During the pandemic this unit was worth its weight in gold, serving approximately 600 meals every day to the community’s most vulnerable population. Prior to the pandemic, Victoria ARC was serving 300 meals 3 days per week, the need grew to serving a staggering 600 meals 7 days per week. The success of this program was attributed to the incredible staff, volunteers, and leadership, as well as the generosity and compassion from the community through food donations and financial support. During this time, over 26,400 meals were served throughout downtown Victoria, totaling 2,600 hours both from staff and volunteers. “We know we are making a difference in people’s lives when we pull in with our truck and see the relief in their eyes knowing they won’t go to sleep hungry tonight,” says Major Feener.
ANNUAL REPORT 2020–2021 THE SALVATION ARMY
13
