COVID-19 Grants: YFC London
COVID-19 Grants: YFC London
YFC London is a faith-based organization that has been supporting youth in our community since 1963 with sports, recreation, food security and outreach programs aimed at creating a safe and supportive environment for youth to connect with each other, build positive relationships and learn from mentors.
When the self-isolation orders were given in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, YFC London was forced to adapt their services. Because of their Cafe Connect program, YFC London not only had a kitchen with ample room to respect social distancing guidelines, but access to food wholesalers. Within weeks YFC transformed their 18,000 square foot youth facility into a food procurement, meal preparation and delivery service to youth and families at need.
“As of today, we’re delivering hot meals to over 160 individuals, 50 of which are in collaboration with SafeSpace London.” says James Coolidge, Executive Director of YFC London. “We’ve also offered space to the Glen Cairn Community Resource Centre and Crouch Neighbourhood Resource Centre for their food procurement, packaging and delivery of food and basic needs emergency boxes, serving an additional 850 individuals.”
Thanks to support from the LCF COVID-19 Response Fund, YFC London was able to purchase the personal protective equipment and supplies needed to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus as volunteers work tirelessly to prepare and deliver meals to the community.
“Thanks to the LCF COVID-19 Response Fund, we’ve been able to continue to meet the growing needs of London’s families as they experience income and food insecurities,” says James. “During this time of isolation and social distancing, clients are reminded by the meals and food they received, that they are not alone.”
While COVID-19 has made it increasingly difficult for many to access affordable and healthy food, food distribution and the sustainability of our local food system has always been a challenge.
“We are trying to raise the standard when it comes to providing meals to those in need.” says James. “This is an opportunity to challenge some of the systemic thinking around basic needs and limiting food supplies. With so much food available, we could easily be providing hot, nutritious meals for those experiencing housing insecurity. We can do better as agencies to remove the stigmas so that the individual’s dignity can be maintained and restored.”
On average, the cost of packaging and delivering each hot meal is $3, which equates to $60 a month per person. If you’d like to support YFC London by donating or volunteering, please send all inquiries to info@yfclondon.com.
“Over 200 volunteers are engaged in making this project possible,” says James. “As a community, we will get through this together.”