$15,000 GRANT HELPS BRACEBRIDGE OUT OF COLD FEED HUNGRY

BRACEBRIDGE — Call it food for the COVID and hungry.

Bracebridge Out of the Cold says it is “very excited” to receive $15,000 from Second Harvest and the federal government.

They say the grant will ensure the continuation of its free weekly take-away meals for those experiencing food insecurity in the community.

And “continue this valuable service for the community.”

Until 13 months ago before the pandemic got worse, Out of the Cold served free, nutritious sit-down meals in the winter months for up to 60 clients at several locations in Bracebridge.

But all in-person dining had to cease with the onset of COVID-19 more than a year ago.

That’s when the needs of the community only increased, they say in a release this week.

In May 2020 Bracebridge Out of the Cold reached out to their more than 40 volunteers to develop a new system of serving weekly take-away meals and fresh produce to their existing clients in a safe, socially-distanced manner.

Based out of Bracebridge United Church, the group has been preparing hot meals and providing produce to about 80 clients every week since then.

The District of Muskoka and private donors also continue to help fund this important and invaluable community voluntary service program.

On behalf of our clients and volunteers, Bracebridge Out of the Cold would like to thank all agencies and private donors who have helped to get food to where it is needed.