As the COVID-19 crisis rolls on, our province’s culture of banding together during tough times is once again very visible, but the challenges are very real. One thing we’ve been hearing a lot from folks in the community is uncertainty around how to safely deliver food security programs in this time of social and physical distancing.
As this situation evolves, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has taken steps to keep us all informed. A central element of this is their frequently-updated COVID-19 website. Through our calls with community food programs, we heard that folks delivering them are looking for more information on how to do so safely.
This information has now been added to the COVID-19 website under “Resources”.
COVID-19 Information for 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. Maintaining these community links is important for food security but practicing safe physical-distancing between program and participant is of the utmost importance at this time as well as proper hygiene. The Government of NL has developed an information sheet to maintain a safe operation.
https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/files/Information-for-Community-Food-Programs-1.pdf
As a reminder, they have also released a food safety guideline on how to properly handle/cook your food, avoiding any foodborne illnesses. Since COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets, the importance of washing your hands as well as produce is especially important.
https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/files/Food-Safety-and-Foodborne-Illness.pdf
For COVID-19 FAQs, click here: https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/faqs/
Looking for more info on how to get food out to the community safely? Here are some other resources from trustworthy sources:
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and food safety from Government of Canada outlines safe food practices for at home, when shopping, and when receiving food deliveries. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/food-safety/covid19.html
Food Safety and Coronavirus: A Comprehensive Guide: A regularly-updated collection of the most up-to-date information. https://www.seriouseats.com/2020/03/food-safety-and-coronavirus-a-comprehensive-guide.html
Agriculture: A Guide to Alternative Delivery Systems for Local Producers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A guide for primary producers on how to get products to people safely https://extension.purdue.edu/article/36645
