Bonnie Patterson, President of the Manna Food Bank, says their new space represents dignity.
Patterson and other Food Bank members, volunteers as well as community dignitaries were at 227 Wellington St. in Bracebridge yesterday for the grand opening of their new facility.
Officials say the new property offers more space
to better serve its clients.
“This new space represents the dignity that we are able to give to our clients,” says Patterson. “They’re able to come inside and sit down while they wait for their order to be processed.[…] They can come in and choose what kind of cereal they want, what kind of proteins they want. Before, we just didn’t’ have the space for them to do that. their orders would be packed up ahead of time and sent out.”
The food announced they were moving from their old location on Eccelstone Dr. earlier this year.
Patterson says the bigger space is one of the highlights of the move.
“Sometimes people would have to be outside waiting in snow storms or pooring rain and we always felt terrible seeing them outside waiting,” she adds.
Along with the new building comes a new computer system, enabling clients to order online.
Patterson says thanks to Shopify, clients and order online in the comfort of their home.
The food bank is open Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Manna is ran completely by volunteers, and is always looking for a helping hand to give back to the community. You can click here for more information.
