Town-run meals for Newmarket's vulnerable continue with $25K boost

'During COVID-19, we are reminded more than ever that we need to help and support everyone in our community,' Mayor John Taylor says

Newmarkettoday.ca
June 12, 2020
Kim Champion

A town-run, free lunch program got an additional up to $25,000 this week to continue to meet the demand among Newmarket citizens facing food insecurity during the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

The Town of Newmarket launched the temporary lunch service March 30 in partnership with Newmarket’s Pickle Barrel and, since then, has provided 3,250 meals for pick up to vulnerable citizens Monday to Friday from the municipal office on Mulock Drive.

Council first approved up to $25,000 March 18 when it declared a local state of emergency in Newmarket to help support community meal programs, enhanced food bank operations, and other community needs.

In addition to the take-away lunches, the town donated funds at that time to the Newmarket Food Pantry, Inn from the Cold, and more.

“Providing support to the most vulnerable people in our community is important right now because the faith community and not-for-profit organizations are limited in what they can do at this time,” Mayor John Taylor said.

“We are filling a gap that would normally be filled by the amazing volunteers in our community,” Taylor said. “During a time like COVID-19, we are reminded more than ever that we need to help and support everyone in our community, especially those who need help the most.”

Sit-down community meals that were offered every day of the week by local faith groups were first forced to a take-out model early in the pandemic, then they were all but shut down not long after because of the health risks posed to mostly senior-aged volunteers.

Taylor said there has been a small resurgence of community meals in Newmarket, but many continue to struggle with the upending of the economy due to COVID-19.

“There are needs, I can tell you,” Taylor said at the June 8 special council meeting. “We’ve had outreach from some lower-income housing locations that have their own food banks, and there are needs related to baby food and support.”

Newly formed group Concerned Citizens for the Homeless in Newmarket recently secured a $7,330 Local Love grant from United Way Greater Toronto and on June 1, in partnership with Inn from the Cold, began offering free, hot take-out meals from the Penrose Street facility on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 5 p.m. The programs ends July 23.