Just as local food banks are facing an increase in demand and a shortage of donations, they are getting a financial boost from Ottawa.
The Windsor-Essex Food Bank Association has received $503,781 from the Emergency Fund for Food Security. That includes $428,725 in direct funding and $75,056 worth of purchased food.
The emergency fund includes $100-million to support national, regional and local organizations across Canada during the pandemic.
Windsor-Tecumseh MP Irek Kusmierczyk announced the contribution.
"Our government is proud to stand beside the Unemployed Help Centre to help them help our most vulnerable community members in this time of need," he said. "This investment will allow them to continue operating drive-thru food hubs throughout the city and the county."
The latest food hub opened this week at the Adie Knox Herman Recreation Complex in the city's west end. It will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Others are up and running in the east end, Leamington, and Lakeshore.