Community Food Programs

Community food programs play an important role in ensuring all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador can access food during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you or someone you know needs support in accessing food you can find more information on the food security page.

Please refer to the following information for the safe operation of community food programs (e.g. food banks, meal programs etc.) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Organizations involved in food procurement, preparation, and distribution must take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure the safety of staff, volunteers, and people using the services.
  • Many programs will require operational changes to support physical distancing (2 meters/2 arm’s lengths).
  • Wearing a mask that covers the nose and mouth is required in public indoor settings for everyone ages 5 and over. All staff, volunteers and people using the services must wear a mask when indoors or anytime physical distancing cannot be maintained.
  • Community food programs must reinforce effective handwashing, coughing/sneezing into elbow or sleeve, and the importance of not touching the face. When food preparation is taking place, the use of disposable gloves is also recommended.
  • Have supplies on hand for staff, volunteers and people receiving services, such as sinks with hot and cold running water, liquid soap, paper towels, hand sanitizer, tissues, and trash baskets. Plan to have extra supplies available.
  • Ensure staff and volunteers who are feeling unwell STAY HOME to prevent transmitting infection to others. If they are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 they should self-isolate and complete the COVID-19 self-assessment tool.
  • To limit close contacts between staff, volunteers or people using the program, consider alternate ways to access food bank services, such as having food picked up at the door or arranging for home deliveries rather than having people enter the building.
  • Where possible, there should also be alternatives to gathering for meal service, e.g., food or meal delivery, grab and go style programming etc.
  • Ensure adequate training for staff or volunteers involved in meal preparation. With changes to staff and volunteer availability at this time, have food safety information readily available. See the Food Safety Awareness Resource found on the Department of Health and Community Services’ website.
  • Community agencies offering essential services, such as operators of food programs, should not ask people using the services to provide their vaccination status or to show their vaccine passports.

Updated on January 26, 2022