CANMORE – While Food and Friends has suspended its service, a local business is stepping up to ensure the Bow Valley remains fed during COVID-19 pandemic.
The Iron Goat Pub and Grill in Canmore will be offering 150 free meals Monday as a replacement for Food and Friends, which suspended its service officially last week.
“Food and Friends right now, it’s run by mostly seniors. They don’t have the ability to go out and do it right now with COVID-19 concerns,” said Michael Leslie, assistant general manager of the Iron Goat.
“We’ll fill the void as long as we can. We just want to help.”
Food and Friends organizers made the difficult decision on March 18 to suspend operations amid COVID-19 coronavirus fears, as most of its volunteer staff are considered at a higher risk. Carol Picard, a volunteer for Food and Friends, said the decision broke their hearts, especially since the Bow Valley has seen mass layoffs.
“We had basically shuttered Food and Friends and all of us, we’re long-term deeply embedded in providing community and providing food for the food insecure, it broke our hearts,” she said.
“Immediately afterward, all the lay offs that came and the young workers that were without a paycheck, without accommodation in some places, it was just so heart breaking.”
Picard said she feels so much gratitude for the the Iron Goat, which is donating all the food for 150 meals this coming Monday (March 31), adding general manager Michael Hay is donating all the food.
“He wants his core staff to have meaningful work and be part of the effort to help our community in a really tough time,” said Picard.
“A young and healthy staff is doing all the work, and I’m just organizing volunteer drivers, and coordinating a list of recipients. I get to stay home in my household and still work Food and Friends from a safe place. I’m so grateful.”
Leslie said the meal would be meatloaf with mashed potatoes. The meals will be prepared at the Iron Goat and will be cold upon arrival for those who’ve opted to receive a meal to warm up. In terms of precautions, the restaurant has regularly been in touch with Alberta Health Services.
“I’ve spoken with Alberta Health Services. Obviously we’re taking extra measures on making sure we’re doing everything above standards in that way," he said.
Picard and Leslie said those who volunteer to drive the meals will be taking extra precautions to ensure a cleanly delivery, such as extra sanitation practices and wearing gloves. The drivers will drop the meals at the door and call the recipient ahead of time. The driver will also wait for the meal to be taken in doors to avoid any wildlife contact.
“We’re all just doing our best, we’re trying to help you stay home,” said Picard.
Email [email protected] for more information on meal delivery or volunteering as a driver.
