Delivery and pickup operations for the Okotoks Food Bank have taken a turn for the better.

In April, they brought home the new delivery truck for which they'd been raising funds for some time.

They were able to find a model that checked all the boxes, and after sorting out the commercial insurance, were able to put it to use.

Pamela McLean, the executive director, is relieved to no longer have to cram as much food as possible into a fleet of volunteers' vehicles.

"We were really worried when they would drive away because most of the windows were covered up."

Now the food is safely loaded on pallets and shrink-wrapped.

They also won't have to worry about goods getting damaged in transportation due to inclement weather as when they used volunteers' pickup trucks.

"Things are happening much quicker now. I feel safer and a lot more effective. The truck has really transformed how we do business."

One concern was the issue of where to safely lock up the truck at the end of the day when a local business stepped up to the plate.

"They were just incredible. They offered us, free of charge, to park our truck in their facility every night."

McLean is grateful for the support from everyone in the community, and especially for the peace of mind knowing the truck is safe when not in use.

"Whenever there is a need of the Okotoks Food Bank, the community steps up and fills that need no matter what it is."

 

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