Newmarket handing out free daily community meals made by Pickle Barrel

Available from Monday to Friday at 11:30 a.m. in front of Newmarket Town Hall

Yorkregion.com
May 1, 2020
Aileen Zangouei

The Town of Newmarket is providing free community meals to residents who may be in need during these difficult times caused by COVID-19.

According to the town’s director of recreation and culture, Colin Service, when the province and town declared a state of emergency, Mayor John Taylor and Newmarket council became very concerned about food access for those who are most vulnerable throughout the community.

“Various agencies and faith communities who historically provided food and meals to vulnerable members were struggling with recruitment or volunteers or space and resources to continue their work due to the physical and social distancing required,” reads Service’s statement in an email to Yorkregion.com.

In the March 18 emergency council meeting, $25,000 was allocated by council to supporting community meals programs, including this lunch program.

The town made an arrangement with the Pickle Barrel located in Newmarket, who has been preparing and delivering the lunches on a daily basis and providing them at a greatly reduced cost.

“75 lunches are delivered daily and paid for through the funding allocated by council,” Service said.

The daily meals are being served from Monday to Friday outside the front doors of the town offices at 395 Mulock Dr., starting at 11:30 a.m.

The food is available to anyone, but the town is asking that the lunches be taken by those who identify themselves as in need.