Food Bank Manager, Stacia Whittaker, as she speaks to the media.
Food Bank Manager, Stacia Whittaker, says the HIV/AIDS Food Bank is always in need of donations and is encouraging Barbadians to continue to donate.
Whittaker added that donations of fresh produce are especially welcomed.
“It is early in the year, yeah, but we still encourage persons to contribute where they can. Any donation is never too small and what we have been also trying to hammer home is that we are trying to make our hampers even more healthier. So we are stressing more individuals also in addition to non-perishables to also donate where possible fresh produce like your fruits, vegetables, ground provisions, fresh eggs, things of that nature so that we can have a variety of selections that we can provide for our clients.”
Turning her attention to speak in light of this week’s confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Barbados, Whittaker is encouraging clients of the bank to avoid being in crowded areas and to increase their basic hygiene.
“We are sharing with our clients as they come to the Food Bank or our clinic, increase or improve your basic hygiene of washing your hands frequently, washing them properly, avoid touching your nose, your eyes, your mouth.
She continued, “If you do have any symptoms – cold or anything that you are not sure, let our nurse or doctors know and try not to be in crowded areas. In addition to nutrition, we are trying to tell people stay hydrated, top up on the vitamin C. If they have vitamin C supplements or fresh fruits, top up on that and stay well hydrated and try to manage any stress and take the medication so that their immune system can be able to handle any additional stress basically. So take the medication as they ought to and stay hydrated.” (MG)