When COVID-19 hit Toronto, and lines of people began waiting for food in front of Agincourt Community Services Association (ACSA) at the Dorset Park Hub, Grace Place, formerly known as Dorset Park Baptist Church, stepped up to support their neighbours in need.
They started serving the community 3 days a week out of their Kennedy and Ellesmere location as client visits to ACSA jumped from 750 household visits per week to 1400 household visits weekly during March, April, May and June.
In order to expand their program capacity and reduce pressure at Dorset Park Hub food bank, they joined as Members of Daily Bread Food Bank. As a result, Grace Place started receiving more food from Daily Bread, purchased more storage equipment and implemented COVID safety protocols for indoor service in preparation for increased client visits.
The idea of opening a program in a very close proximity of another one may seem redundant at first, but the value of this intervention became evident when ACSA had to close because of a COVID case.
On Thursday October 29, 2020 ACSA staff tested positive and the building had to be shut down for deep cleaning. Grace Place stepped up to the challenge and opened their doors to serve Dorset Park Hub Food Bank clients on Friday which is not their normal service day.
With this level of flexibility and community partnership, Grace Place has contributed to the growth of Scarborough area food programs during this difficult time. It is with great joy, Daily Bread welcomes Grace Place to our network!
Click here to make a donation and support the increased need in our Scarborough community.
