(4/14) The Thurmont Food Bank has experienced an increase in those in need of food in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19)-driven surge in unemployment numbers.
The food bank, located in the old town office at 10 Frederick Road, Thurmont, is managed under the auspices of the Thurmont Ministerium, with Pastor Sally Joyner Giffin serving as coordinator.
Pastor Sally told the News-Journal, "We have seen an increase in people coming" to the food bank for provisions, and they estimate that the food bank has experienced a 30 to 40-percent increase in individuals and families seeking assistance.
The COVID-19 epidemic has forced the facility to resort to a drive-through service only, she said, which entails those wishing to acquire food to drive to the parking area of the pantry site, where volunteers will approach the vehicle to offer assistance.
"We have volunteers inside bagging the food, and volunteers outside loading the food into the backseats or trunks" of those seeking aid. The volunteers wear masks, and patrons are asked to remain in their vehicles in order to be served.
Aid recipients will be provided with two weeks’ worth of food, she said, or about a shopping cart load. Provisions can entail "all kinds of things," such as milk, eggs, margarine, meats, frozen vegetables, spaghetti, sauce, macaroni and cheese, canned vegetables, rice, cereal, desserts, snacks, peanut butter, jelly, condiments, and fresh produce. The amount of food
provided is also determined by family size.
Various restaurants have been donating goods, and even the Emmitsburg Food Bank provides some provisions, including some goods donated by Ski Liberty Resorts, Pastor Sally said.
However, she noted, cash donations from others are preferred since it allows her to shop for specific needs. Checks and money orders made out to the Thurmont Food Bank may be mailed to Thurmont Food Bank, P.O. Box 74, Thurmont, MD 21788.
The food bank is open monthly on Tuesday evenings, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and on Fridays, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
For additional information, go to the food bank website at thurmontfoodbank.com.
