More people are turning to the Eunice Food Bank for assistance as the coronavirus has slowed the economy along with the spread of the disease.
Mary Ann Guillory, director, said many people have lost their jobs in the last couple of month “which means no income, and also means no food.”
The Eunice Food Bank feeds nearly 300 families. Since the pandemic, “We now adopted new registered families, anywhere from 10 to 15 families since mid March. We have also helped more homeless people.”
The food bank is accepting food items and toiletries.
“We are in need of just about everything. Food staples, canned goods, rice, flour, sugar, mac and cheese, paper goods, toilet paper, paper towels, diapers, diaper wipes, soap, all toiletries are in need,” she said.
The food bank also accepts monetary donations.
The number of volunteers accepted is limited, but there she that help is always welcome.
The virus has resulted in new rules.
No person can freely walk inside the food bank. A food bank volunteer will meet one person at a time at the door. The person will wait at the end of the hallway, and then a prepared grocery cart is rolled by a volunteer to that waiting person.
The Eunice Food Bank has had deliveries of food from Food Net, the food bank of Catholic Charities in Lafayette recently. Guillory said, “They deliver many boxes of food, normally once a week, and they make home deliveries to families that cannot get out.”
Guillory contacts her partner company Second Harvest once a week. She makes orders of food and items. “They are having a difficult time during this time. The supply and demand has increased. There are sometimes I don’t receive all food items, however, I am receiving small orders.”
Guillory asked that donors call 337-457-7541, Monday through Friday to arrange for donations.
The Eunice Food Bank is located at 251 Park Ave., with 9 a.m. until noon hours on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.