Submitted by Clark County Food Bank
We are committed to serving this community and all individuals facing hunger, wherever they are. As a vital relief organization in times of crisis, it remains the mission of Clark County Food Bank to address hunger in our community and make sure that people get the food they need. As we do so, we must maintain the health and safety of those we serve, and also our employees and volunteers. For that reason, we would like to keep you updated with how we are responding:
- We are closely monitoring and following guidance set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), our national partner Feeding America, our statewide network, and local entities including Clark County Public Health.
- We are communicating regularly with the network of non-profits we partner with to share out any best practices as we learn them.
- At this time, we are focusing on our core operation of food distribution. We are evaluating all other programs and adjusting as needed.
- We are enforcing extra sanitation protocols to mitigate the spread of germs. We have closed down all entrance points to the Food Bank except through our main lobby and main warehouse door, where staff, volunteers, and guests are directed immediately to a hand-washing station. Additional hand-washing stations are set up throughout the food bank, and gloves are required for any food handling. Frequently touched surfaces in our facility are sanitized every night.
- All large volunteer events will be cancelled through the end of March, including Evening Repack on Tuesday March 17th. Any large volunteer groups scheduled will be contacted individually for rescheduling.
- We are asking any staff or volunteers who are feeling sick or may be exposed to illness to stay home.
- If the situation progresses, we may need to establish a dedicated COVID-19 Response Fund to help with emergency distribution. Similarly, if we have any specific in-kind or volunteer needs, we will communicate these needs out.
- We will communicate on our website, Facebook, and via email if any operational changes need to occur to our regular distribution. To find out more about what we are doing to address safety and any food distribution changes, visit us at clarkcountyfoodbank.org/coronavirus.
While it is still too early to determine the full effect of the coronavirus outbreak, Clark County Food Bank is prepared to handle a potential increase in demand. Regardless of the reason for that need – be it a disaster, economic slowdown, or illness – we will continue to work diligently to help people facing hunger have access to the food they need.
Thank you for your support and partnership in serving this community. Have any other questions? You can contact me at alan.hamilton@clarkcountyfoodbank.org
