Sudbury's Elgin Street Mission tests paper cups for hygienic reasons

Morning North5:49Coffee shortage at Elgin Street Mission in Sudbury

For many people, the day doesn't begin until they've had their cup of coffee. Patrons at the Elgin Street Mission in Sudbury are no different, but the mission is facing a coffee shortage. We heard more from its director Rene Soulliere.

The Elgin Street Mission in Sudbury is switching to paper coffee cups to be more hygienic.

Pastor Rene Soulliere said for the past two weeks, they've been using biodegradable cups to ensure there is no spread of disease.

"We're going to stick with those so that we can serve coffee and not worry," he said.

"If there is hepatitis A, B or C, which is on the street a lot now, that contamination will not be on the cups."

Soulliere said with the rise of diseases, such as hepatitis, it's important to help stop the spread.

"You get a cup and you throw it away," he said. "The other way, we've [got to] make sure they are properly washed every time and there is a possibility that … you miss one or two and somebody could get sick from it."

Soulliere said they will do this for a year and see how it goes.

He added the centre is in need of donations of paper cups and coffee for visitors.