The Beach Community Food Pantry (BCFP) management team is continually evaluating the current COVID-19 crisis and its impact on the community, BCFP and our volunteers. Our primary goal is to maintain a safe and healthy environment for everyone.

 

The goal of BCFP has always been to serve those in our area that are food challenged. In the past, we have been able to make the delivery of food to our shoppers very efficient, but we now are faced with a crisis that requires us to make changes to our regular process. 

 

First and foremost, we will remain open to the best of our ability to serve the community that will need us more than ever in the coming months. Equally important, we need the continued support of all our volunteers. Our volunteers have been the rock on which BCFP was built and the greater community will need them more than ever in the coming months. Without enough volunteers, we will not be able to keep the pantry open

 

We anticipate that COVID-19 will create an increased flow of shoppers to our facility and we must be ready. Here is a summary of changes that are in effect immediately for shoppers. 

 

• If you feel sick or have had contact with a person that has tested positive for COVID-19, do not come to shop at the food pantry. Do not send a family member that lives in the same house with you to pick up food for you.

• Shoppers should maintain a safe 6-foot distance between each other.

• Our primary goals are simple:

1. Continue to support the food needs of the community.

2. Provide the best environment that will protect the health of shoppers and volunteers.

3. Minimize contact with people or equipment.

• New shoppers (which will grow in the coming weeks) will fill out any forms.

• USDA acknowledgements are being discussed and a revised policy will be instituted as soon as possible.

• We are suspending the “full choice” system we regularly used. Instead, we will be filling bags of food selected by the individual that will include all the items that shoppers have been eligible for in the past, including eggs, meat, bread and produce. The shopper can select what type of bread and meat they desire (pork, beef, chicken, etc.) but they cannot inspect or handle the meat. It will be packaged by the volunteer. Then the food packages will be distributed at the door adjacent to the check in desk.

 

All volunteers will adhere to the following:

1. If you feel sick or have come in contact with a person that has tested positive for COVID-19, do not come to the food pantry.

2. Always wear protective gloves that we supply.

3. Wash hands with soap and water whenever necessary.

4. Use hand sanitizer whenever necessary.

5. Do a post-session wipe down of critical areas.

6. Whenever possible, maintain a safe distance (3-6 feet) from our shoppers.

 

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Thank you for your co-operation during this time!

Please stay healthy and stay safe!

The Beach Community Food Pantry Management Team