SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — Island food banks are receiving $50,000 in provincial government funding to help Islanders with their most urgent food needs as P.E.I. recovers from the effects of post-tropical storm Dorian.
With this funding, food banks will provide immediate food relief to Islanders, particularly the most vulnerable, who lost power and may be relying on the support of food banks in the interim.
“I’m so glad that our network of food banks will be able to help people across the province with their most urgent food needs by working together with provincial government,” said Mike MacDonald, executive director of P.E.I. Food Banks.
“Hurricane Dorian is causing wide-spread challenges for Islanders and recovery from that will take time,” said Ernie Hudson, minister of Social Development and Housing. “All Islanders have come together to help their neighbours and friends and we need to continue to support those in need so that we are all healthy and safe.”
- A refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours.
- A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours.
- Keep food supplies that do not require refrigeration on hand.
- Discard any food that has been at room temperature for two or more hours, and any food that has an obvious unusual colour or odour.
- Remember, food that has gone bad does not always smell bad or appear spoiled.
- If the food still contains ice crystals or feels refrigerator-cold, it can be re-frozen.
- If raw food has leaked during thawing, clean and disinfect the areas the food has touched.
- Do not reuse cloths you have used for clean-up until they have been disinfected by washing in hot water.
- If power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug’s label says otherwise.
- If a life depends on the refrigerated drugs, consult a doctor or pharmacist. When in doubt, throw it out!
The Chief Public Health Office and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency have advised that foods can become a health and public safety concern during power outages and Islanders should be aware of when food is safe to keep and consume.
