submitted by Clark County Food Bank
As COVID-19 continues to progress and we mobilize to meet the growing demand for food assistance in our community, we want to keep you updated on all Clark County Food Bank related news, action steps, and how you can help:
- Sanitation and Safety:
- In addition to our existing practices, we are enforcing extra sanitation protocols throughout the facility to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
- We have closed down all entrance point to the facility except through the main lobby door and main warehouse door.
- Our Food Distribution Updates:
- Out of our 130 food sites, we are focusing on our 20+ public facing food pantries, all of which are still distributing at this time. We will continue to update our website as changes occur. These sites and hours are updated here: https://www.clarkcountyfoodbank.org/get-food-covid19
- We are currently identifying sites that will host outdoor pop-up food distributions in the event that our food pantries close. Any pop-up locations will also be listed here: https://www.clarkcountyfoodbank.org/get-food-covid19
- We will continue to adjust distribution methods as the situation evolves and communicate those changes out to the community.
- Other Food Resource Updates:
- Both WIC and SNAP are advocating to temporarily expand funding through the Families First Act, which is expected to pass in the US Senate this week. Individuals registered in these programs are encouraged to use their benefits if they qualify.
- Although schools are closed, most districts have built creative ways to continue providing meals to students who qualify for free and reduced lunch. Please see your local school district’s website to find a location near you.
- Volunteers:
- VOLUNTEER HELP NEEDED! Starting 3/17/2020, every week day (Mon-Fri) from 2-4pm we will need help building emergency food boxes for people in need.
- To meet gathering requirements, we are changing to sign-up opportunities only rather than our typical drop-in practices. Volunteers must be scheduled in advance of all shifts. To sign up to volunteer, email volunteer@clarkcountyfoodbank.org
- All volunteers are required to wash hands, wear gloves, practice social distancing, and stay home if at all unwell. Upon arrival, volunteers will be trained in all other required safety precautions.
- All large volunteer events have been cancelled until gatherings are permitted by the State. Any scheduled groups affected will be contacted individually.
- How to help
- Donate Time – Clark County Food Bank and its partners could all use extra volunteer support. Clark County Food Bank’s volunteer team can be reached at volunteer@clarkcountyfoodbank.org. All volunteers must be scheduled in advance. If you want to volunteer at a food site near you, all phone numbers for our partners are listed here: https://www.clarkcountyfoodbank.org/get-food-covid19
- Donate Funds – We have set up a relief fund on our website to support the increased need in our community. Every dollar you give will go directly to relief efforts for seniors, children, and vulnerable families in Clark County. Donate at https://www.clarkcountyfoodbank.org/coronavirus
- Donate Food – Although we typically encourage a variety of food types, including perishable food, the food that provides the least amount of risk right now is shelf-stable product. Food can be dropped off at our main warehouse distribution site is 6502 NE 47th Ave. Vancouver, WA 98661. For the sake of social distancing, we have placed a food donation bin outside our warehouse doors where you can drop off shelf-stable food. If you have any questions about donating food, please contact us at food@clarkcountyfoodbank.org
Thank you for your support and partnership in serving this community. Have any other questions? You can contact me at alan.hamilton@clarkcountyfoodbank.org
