Coalition of community organizations and PAL launches “Community Food Helpline”, partners with Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to provide easy access through 811
MAY 4, 2020, ST. JOHN’S, NL - The Newfoundland & Labrador Community Food Helpline, a dedicated phone line that will assist Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with access to food programs available to them during the COVID-19 pandemic, went live today. Administered and staffed by a coalition of community organizations, this service will direct callers to services like nearby food banks, and for the more vulnerable residents further supports like meal or hamper deliveries.
Thanks to a partnership with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, callers will be able to access this service by calling 811 whose operators are being equipped to provide food program contacts 24/7; requests requiring more support will be transferred either to staff from the Jimmy Pratt Foundation (covering metro St. John’s) or to staff from Food First NL (covering the rest of the island and Labrador). Helpline staff will be available during business hours, and will respond to messages left outside of those times. Database support is provided by SeniorsNL, and access to the line for deaf individuals is being provided through the Newfoundland and Labrador Association for the Deaf.
This initiative arose out of an identified need in the community to support the growing number of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who find themselves increasingly food insecure due to the impacts of COVID-19, and particularly to support those who might not have easy access to online resources.
“This initiative is a key element that will help pull together the wide-ranging work happening to respond to food insecurity during COVID-19,” says Joshua Smee, CEO of Food First NL, “we know there is a digital divide that has emerged, and that toll-free access to speak to someone about food needs will help bridge it.”
“As foundations, we’re having to shift our focus in order to assist our valuable community groups in stepping up to meet the need in our neighbourhoods,” says Robyn LeGrow, Executive Director of the Jimmy Pratt Foundation. “This aligns directly with our mission to support Newfoundland and Labrador’s vulnerable youth and their families.”
In several locations around the province - St. John’s, Deer Lake, Wabush, and Happy Valley-Goose Bay, operators on the line will also have access to food delivery services being donated by PAL and Air Borealis, who are providing staff, personal protective equipment, vehicles, and administrative capacity in 4-hour shifts, multiple times weekly.
“PAL has always worked to play a positive, active role in the communities we serve,” says Jake Trainor, CEO of PAL. “We’re excited to be involved in this important program and look forward to doing our part to address food insecurity and support those in need through this particularly challenging time.”
Additional delivery services in other communities will be provided by Food First NL in partnership with local providers, funded by a grant provided by the Department of Health and Community Services. The Department is also facilitating access to operators and capacity from 811.
“Our government recognizes that the current public health emergency has presented additional challenges related to food security within Newfoundland and Labrador. Through this partnership with community organizations we have been developing solutions that will help people access food throughout the province. I extend my sincere thanks to these organizations for the work they are doing to support food security.”
- Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Once again, our community has come together to address the needs of vulnerable people during a very difficult time. Community food programs have been working hard to maintain and expand their services, and our government is pleased to support these efforts. I thank all of the community and corporate partners who have made this possible.”
- Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
UPDATE, AUGUST 2022:
The Community Food Helpline is now available through one direct line for the whole province: (709) 703-4544 and by email: helpline@foodfirstnl.ca . If you require immediate food support, please contact 211 for assistance.
