COVID-19 Update
Posted by Katie Savoie on
This page will be continually updated to reflect food bank changes to prepare for COVID-19, with the newest updates on top. This page will be used for agency-specific updates. For updates for the general public, please visit our main website here: https://www.communityharvest.org/covid-19-updates/
Update 04/06/2020
We hope that everyone is staying safe and healthy during this challenging time. There have been a lot of uncertainties everywhere lately, and a lot of impacts, both health-wise and economically here in northeast Indiana. We'd like to update everyone on some changes at the food bank that have been implemented for your protection, as well as some rollbacks to previous changes.
Before getting into specifics, we'd like to say that due to the increased need, we will be staying open on Friday, April 10, and Saturday, April 11 in order to continue with our Farm Wagon and Saturday Helping Hands distributions. Please feel free to refer anyone in need to these programs. Our schedules are available posted on previous updates and on our website.
We have been supplementing donated product with purchased food in order to maintain enough inventory to share. In the past two weeks, we've placed purchase orders for over $150,000 of food, and we plan to order more to keep the supply going. If you are a pantry that orders product from us, this additional resource should become available on our website soon.
Changes For Voucher Agencies
During the past two weeks, vouchers have been limited to 50 pounds per person, as we wanted to ensure that we had enough food for everyone. This has now been increased to 100 pounds, so if you previously issued 100-pound vouchers, you may do so again going forward.
Changes for Pantry Agencies
To eliminate unnecessary personal contact and keep you safe, agencies will now enter directly into the warehouse for appointments instead of through the small agency services office. We have posted a sign on the Agency Services door directing agencies to the blue door marked Volunteer Entrance which will remain unlocked for appointments. Inside, we have placed gloves for your use, as well as the agency sign-in sheet. For questions, please contact Agency Services at 260-447-3696.
We had previously been forced to limit products to 10 cases (for items ordered by the case) and 100 pounds (for items ordered by the pound). This may also change as we become more confident that we will have enough product to be shared with everyone. Please keep an eye out for further updates coming soon. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused. We are sure that you, like us, have had an increase in the number of people seeking food assistance. Please know that we are doing the best we can to make sure everyone has sufficient resources.
Changes in the Community
President Trump and his team have held several press conferences recently, updating day-to-day activities and statuses. Some requests have changed. Officials are now recommending face coverings. Any nose/mouth coverings can help, even if it just helps to prevent individuals from touching potentially contaminated objects and then touching their faces. Any barriers, including face coverings, are extremely useful in situations like this. Please see this link for the CDC release: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html
The Indiana stay-at-home order has been continued for an additional two weeks. Governor Holcomb has made further restrictions in the types of businesses operating, and how both companies that offer/do not offer the "necessities of life" can operate. Please see this link for more information: https://wpta21.com/2020/04/06/gov-holcomb-says-non-essential-businesses-can-operate-if-they-limit-foot-traffic/
Update 03/23/2020
Our Farm Wagon schedule will be changing effective 03/30/2020. We are sending out an email about this new development. Copies of the schedule and more information can be found on our website here: https://www.communityharvest.org/get-help-farm-wagon-mobile-pantry/
We'd also like to share this email we received that has some questions answered about the new order from the Governor's Office:
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Good afternoon everyone –
I thought the contents of this article might be beneficial in helping individuals understand that they are included as essential services. Also about driving to and from work. I have highlighted the pertinent information in yellow. Emily, would you please share with the remainder of the food banks?
Thank you
FAQ: What does the stay-at-home order mean for Hoosiers?
March 23, 2020 | Lindsey Erdody
Keywords Coronavirus outbreak / Diseases / Eric Holcomb / Government / Health Care / Health Care & Insurance / Politics & Government / Public Health / State Government
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(TheStatehousefile.com photo/Bryan Wells)
Gov. Eric Holcomb is telling Hoosiers to “hunker down” and stay at home for the next two weeks, except for what’s deemed “essential” business and activity. The order raises plenty of questions about what’s allowed. Here are some answers.
When does the stay-at-home order start?
The order takes effect at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday.
When does it end?
11:59 p.m. April 6, but it could be extended longer, if necessary.
What is considered as an “essential” business?
The executive order Holcomb issued Monday lays out a long list of industries, businesses and services that are considered essential. Some on that list includes grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, police stations, fire stations, hospitals, doctor’s offices, health care facilities, garbage pickup, public transit, day care centers, airport operations, utilities, convenience stores, pet supply stores, food distribution companies, animal shelters, churches, media, food banks, auto repair shops, banks, insurance companies, hardware stores, real estate firms, manufacturing companies, hotels, funeral homes, public service hotlines such as SNAP and HIP 2.0, post offices and other shipping and delivery service companies, educational institutions (but K-12 public and private schools are still closed until May 1 under a different executive order), dry cleaners and restaurants (but dine-in service is prohibited).
What about non-essential business. Do those have to close?
The executive order requires those businesses to cease operations, unless employees are working from home.
Does this apply to not-for-profits?
Yes, unless an organization falls under one of the essential exemptions. For example, not-for-profits like food banks, shelters or those that provide other social services for “economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals, individuals who need assistance as a result of this emergency and people with disabilities” are considered essential.
What about churches?
Churches are required to abide by CDC guidance on social gathering, which prohibit more than 10 people together.
Restaurants were already closed, except for takeout. What else will be closed now?
All other retailers that don’t fit the “essential” definition. Also, hair salons, fitness centers/gyms, tattoo parlors, spas and barber shops will have to close. They were specifically excluded from the health care and public health operations exemption.
What is considered an essential activity?
Going to the grocery store or pharmacy, spending time outside (i.e. biking, walking, hiking, running), going to work (assuming it is at an essential business), taking care of others (i.e. delivering groceries or supplies to someone or caring for a pet), going to see a health care professional or going somewhere to purchase medical supplies.
Can I travel to/from work?
Yes. Law enforcement will not be stopping drivers traveling for essential purposes.
Can I still use public transit?
Yes, but individuals using public transit are urged to maintain a six-foot distance from others whenever possible.
Can restaurants still offer carry-out?
Yes. Holcomb ordered all restaurants, bars and nightclubs to close except for carry-out and delivery services on March 16, and those establishments can continue to provide those limited services. But if a restaurant is violating the dine-in prohibition, the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission has authority to revoke an establishment’s food and beverage license.
Can groceries and other online orders still be delivered?
Yes.
Does this mean I should buy two weeks worth of groceries?
No. “Get groceries only when you need them,” Holcomb said. “And only buy what you need.”
What else is closed?
All amusement parks, aquariums, zoos, museums, arcades, children’s play centers, playgrounds, bowling alleys, movie theaters, entertainment venues, etc.
Thank you,
Rachel L. Lane, MBA, LSS MBB, PMP®
Chief Transformation Officer
Indiana Family and Social Services Administration
Office: (317) 232-6426
Cell: (317) 358-3416
Twitter: @lane_280
@FSSAIndiana
Update 03/16/2020
This week only, the Farm Wagon held at Ashley Church of God (Living Hope Church) will be cancelled. As of right now, the Farm Wagon for next week will run as scheduled.
Beginning Saturday, March 21, we will be closing Community Cupboard on Saturdays only in order to handle the traffic load for our regular Saturday Helping Hands distribution. If you have clients with vouchers, they can still come as needed during our regular weekly hours.
In addition, if you have clients that need additional assistance, they are more than welcome to come to our Saturday Helping Hands. Beginning this Saturday, it will be moving to a Drive-Through format with pre-packed bags. No ID is required. It will be in operation from 9-11am, and as long as the clients arrive before 11, they will be served.
The Hope for Heroes program will also be limited to 50 lbs per visit, instead of 100 lbs. Veterans and military families that visit will be able to visit an additional month to receive their 600 total pounds, but will be limited to 50 lbs at a time, as with all other vouchers. If you are in contact with Veterans or military families in need, they do not need a referral. They can visit us directly during business hours with their Photo ID + DD214 or Veteran ID.
Update 03/13/2020
Agency specific updates:
Beginning Monday, March 16th, 2020, we will be limiting vouchers to a maximum of 50 lbs to ensure that the increased client number will have adequate access to food. In addition, for the safety of clients, volunteers, and staff, we will limit the number of clients that can shop in the pantry at one time to 3 different voucher holds, and no more than one individual per voucher. When clients come to shop, they will be able to sign in at the door and leave their number and we can call them when they are next to shop. In addition, shopping times will be limited to 15 minutes to ensure that clients can shop in a timely manner without a long wait.
For additional safety and to protect clients, staff, and volunteers, pantry and voucher agencies may consider making adjustments to operation procedures to limit personal contact as we meet the upcoming challenges with high demand and the increased spread of COVID-19 among vulnerable populations. Possible solutions could be changing from in-person meetings to meetings over the phone for voucher assistance, or a drive-through solution for pantries.
We expect that retail donations will decrease as stores see an increased demand for household products and food. Because of this, we are limiting certain items so that pantries and clients have more access to meet increased demand. For pantry agencies, there will be an order limit of 100 lbs of meat and 100 lbs of salvage until further notice. No other items are limited at this time, but may be subject to change.
We have updated the public on some of our in-house programs, as displayed on our Facebook page and also our website. Please visit https://www.communityharvest.org/covid-19-updates/ to see updates that we make available to the general public regarding our own programs.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and we hope that as we go forward, we will see positive outcomes, meet increased food needs, and see a reduced risk of transmission among vulnerable clients.
As far as national news, the House of Representatives is set to vote on emergency legislation to provide benefits to people. It should reach the Senate next week and then to the President's desk for signature. This legislation will make it easier to access SNAP and WIC as an emergency measure, as well as offer provisions for people who are unable to work due to illness or quarantine. We hope to know more early next week as to the actions being taken by local, state, and national government.
*** Update 03/12/2020
The CDC has provided a PDF flyer for hygiene and health practices. We have access to these flyers in several languages, which can be downloaded as a PDF here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1knXTSMA25G_RaaZVnSRMM8IONGI1KNdK
Here is the English Example:
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March 11, 2020
Dear Agency Partners,
With the news of the COVID-19 virus affecting our Indiana communities, the food bank is taking some measures to improve client health and safety during this time. Based on information provided by other regional food banks and health organizations, we are taking precautions to reduce risk to clients, especially those who may be more vulnerable to the effects of the virus.
Community Harvest is looking at alternative methods of distribution to clients through several programs, which will allow a “drive through” distribution rather than large groups of people.
So far, COVID-19 seems to be especially hard on older adults and those with underlying health issues. Since Community Harvest and many other agencies and pantries also serve seniors, you may want to consider some of these suggestions in your operations.
Some options include:
- Pre-packed boxes of groceries for distribution at scheduled times
- Wear gloves during distributions, even if not directly handling food items
- If you are a TEFAP agency, the USDA has made some exceptions to distribution rules because of this virus. Please contact Melissa Hoover at 260-449-9708, or by email at mhoover@communityharvest.org to find out more information
If you have heard of different methods that you think would be helpful during this time, please contact Katie Savoie at ksavoie@communityharvest.org or by phone at 260-447-3696, Ext. 324.
We will make the information available to other agencies on our agency shopping website at agency.communityharvest.org. Please click the NEWS link to find the update page.
Thank you for what you are doing, because what we all do is crucial to helping vulnerable populations in the area. We hope that everyone stays safe and healthy during the challenges arising from this virus.
Sincerely,
Carmen Cumberland
Executive President, Community Harvest Food Bank