Love of food is something we all share — especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when meat, vegetables and dairy items items might be scarce or cost more.
But for some, food scarcity is a bigger issue not just because of COVID-19 health orders shutting down businesses but every day.
One Port Coquitlam restaurant is trying to make a difference by sharing the proceeds of their food and beverage sales with Share Family and Community Services, which runs the Tri-Cities’ three food banks, including one in Port Coquitlam.
This week, on Thursday, April 8, Patina Brewing Company will donate 15% of all revenue to Share to support the local food bank.
In addition, Erin and Greg Moore will match the donation for a total donation of 30% of all revenue.
Currently, all food orders are take out or delivery, so a large group of community members is standing by to deliver your order.
“As we have seen communities across the country come together to support our health care workers, in addition to this wonderful support, we want to ensure that everyone can put food on their table,” said Erin Moore, Patina owner.
The timely donation comes as Port Coquitlam is expected to suffer record unemployment due to the COVID-19 crisis and millions of Canadians will be signing up for Canadian Emergency Response Benefits to get them through this trying time.
According to Moore, wife of former PoCo mayor Greg Moore, the food bank might be the only way some people will able to put food on their table.
Patina Brewing Company has also been hard hit by this crisis, after only opening their doors for two weeks they had to convert their business model to take out and delivery through UberEats.
Moore goes on to say “although this has been a hard time for Patina, we know that there are individuals in our community that are struggling to put food on their table and we want to do our part to help.”
Several local politicians and community members will help to deliver Patina’s southern barbecue and craft beer to local doorsteps, they include: the Moores, several PoCo councillors, Michael Hind, CEO of Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce, Jennifer McKinnon, executive director of the PoCo BIA and Gaye Sims, president of Rotary Club of Port Coquitlam, among others.
The generosity is much appreciated according to Claire MacLean, CEO of Share, who said in a statement: “It is wonderful to see the community come together during this crisis. Share’s food bank is a vital support to thousands of families, seniors and members of the Tri-Cities. Together we can help.”
The Putting Food on the Table project runs from 4- 8 p.m. Thursday, April 8.
For more information about Patina Brewing Co., visit patinabrewing.com, @PatinaBrewing on Twitter, @PatinaBrewing on Instagram or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/patinabrewing
