Running a food bank in the middle of a pandemic is tough, but Shelly Panczyk took over responsibility for the Queens County Food Bank in September 2020.

In addition to a truckload of food brought in at the beginning of each week by Feed Nova Scotia, the food bank still relies on donations from the local grocery stores and private donors to supply clients.

To keep the lights on and rent paid they also need to raise money.

Before the pandemic, the organization would host fundraisers, but COVID-19 restrictions forced them to find new avenues to find that cash.

Panczyk came up with the idea for the thrift store which opened to the public in April 2021.

“We got it open, and people just came to it. It was unbelievable. I’m amazed at the end of every week what we do for, moneywise,” said Panczyk. “You know that a small town, it keeps us going.”

Every item sold comes from the local community and any proceeds pay the bills for both the store and the food bank.

Panczyk says the dedication of all the volunteers has made the job easier.

“They’ve worked tirelessly through this whole thing and kept people fed,” said Panczyk.

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