With the many shifts in Whistler to address the COVID-19 virus, the Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS) is making additional changes to its operations so that it can best serve community members who need support. To ensure Food Bank and Outreach Services teams stay healthy and can manage the increasing demand for emergency food bags and outreach calls, WCSS has adjusted its hours and will now operate five days a week.
How to Get Emergency Food
For those who are experiencing food insecurity, prepared food bags are available from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 8000 Nesters Road by appointment only. Call 604-902-4800 to book a pick up time. Unable to make an appointment and need emergency food? Drop in at the Food Bank between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Wednesdays.
How to Contact Outreach Services for Support
Understanding how stressful these times are with food and financial insecurity, social distancing and quarantine, WCSS Outreach Services are operating 6 days a week (Monday to Saturday) and can be accessed remotely via telephone at 604-932-0113 from or through online booking at mywcss.org. WCSS has trained its outreach workers and front line staff to advocate for the community’s wellness needs. They can provide emotional support, assist with filling out government forms, advise on counselling options, advocate for your rights, and help find food and shelter.
Hold on to Donations for ReUseIt or ReBuildIt Centres
To focus all efforts on the Food Bank and maintain a safe working environment, the ReUseIt Centre on Nesters Road and the ReBuildIt Centre in Function Junction are closed and are no longer accepting items for donation at this time. Locals are asked to keep their donations for a later date, as both centres will happily accept gently used or unwanted items once business resumes. As a social enterprise, these centres are the main source of funding for WCSS to operate the Food Bank, Outreach Services and the many programs and services it typically offers.
How to Donate to the Whistler Food Bank
The Whistler Food Bank is asking the community for donations of cash and food to support the increased demand. Since the appeal to fill the shelves at the Food Bank was first announced, the incredible amount of donations from community members, partners, foundations and businesses has been truly heart-warming. We thank you so much for this amazing outpouring of generosity!
These donations are vital, as the Whistler Food Bank does not receive funding from government to operate. Monetary donations help the Food Bank to purchase whatever is most needed at a wholesale price. Online donations are eligible for a tax receipt and can be made at mywcss.org/get-involved/donations/. Food donations can be dropped off at donation bins at all grocery stores in Whistler.
The most needed items include:
- Canned food rich in protein: tuna/salmon, canned
- meat, beans and legumes
- Canned vegetables and fruit
- Canned soups
- Cereal and granola bars
- Dried beans and legumes
- Peanut butter
- Rice, Pasta and Pasta Sauce
Business owners with large or fresh food donations are asked to contact foodbank@mywcss.org.