As more people find themselves jobless amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Windsor Essex COVID Care Coalition has set up a helpline for those looking for emergency food assistance.
The coalition includes partners from the Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor-Essex Children's Aid Society, the City of Windsor, Green Shield Canada, ProsperUs, the United Way and others.
The temporary helpline opened its phone lines Thursday and will operate Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. It will provide information on food banks that are open and take requests for food hampers, prepared meals, and grocery gift cards.
It offers services in English and French, but an interpretation service will provide help in other languages.
Green Shield Canada is hosting the call centre and providing staffing. Food delivery is provided by the Windsor Essex Food Bank Association, while the United Way is training volunteers.
The number to call is 888-488-1578.
The helpline will close Good Friday and Easter Monday.
