It’s a food bank, just minus the bank.
That’s the Multicultural Association of Perth-Huron (MAPH)’s most recent project, a mobile unit that can go across the region helping people in need through the form of groceries or grocery gift cards.
MAPH founder Geza Wordofa said that the idea came about from a need in the community here in Stratford. Local food banks are closed on the weekends and Wordofa found that newcomers coming into Stratford on the weekends had nowhere to go for food.
“We don’t want to (compete),” Wordofa said. “We want to fill the gap.”
Without the physical space or proper refrigeration to store food in bulk, MAPH has resorted to shopping for those in need themselves, delivering the food in a volunteer’s vehicle, or to give a giftcard for them to do shopping in their own time.
That way, they can let each individual get the food item best suited for their family.
The mobile food bank will also have more than just food or food assistance, it will have feminine hygiene products and other materials needed by the public, such as bus tickets or toilet paper.
The idea for a mobile food bank has been around for a while. Wordofa said that they have been operating here and there since January of this year, but it is only now that they want to expand and commit resources to the project.
Just last weekend, Wordofa said the mobile food bank assisted almost 21 people.
Although MAPH primarily assists newcomers to the area, Wordofa said that no one will be turned away and that everyone needing help will be eligible.
MAPH has traditionally not operated just in Huron and Perth counties when assisting newcomers, finding them places to live across the country. For its food bank, it will be focusing on rural areas, going as far as Wellington County, Wordofa said.
When asked if he is concerned about affording everything, Wordofa said that he is confident in the community’s generosity.
Residents in Stratford and surrounding areas may see MAPH collection tins at local shops. The money donated will go directly to this new mobile food bank.
Additionally, those interested in assisting can e-transfer [email protected].
Those needing assistance can contact MAPH at the same email.
