Notes from the Food Pantry
Some of you may recall my post last week about the food pantry I run in Portland, OR. I thought I’d give some updates for those who may be interested.
After spending an anxiety filled and sleep deprived weekend thinking about how to reconfigure our system from a shopping style pantry to an emergency food box program, I was able to test out my ideas on Monday.
Here's how things are going so far:
I didn’t know what to expect. I figured we would either be dead or overwhelmed. Visits have been slow and steady, but I’m fully expecting an onslaught once all the laid off workers start running low on food. Maybe not this week, but . . .
Most clients are generally compliant and grateful, but they’re also nervous. Not a lot of social distancing going on out there.
Lots of first-time clients have been coming in. Most have been laid off.
We have a good amount of food, although the food bank has a significantly smaller selection to order from.
Stores are continuing to donate; although it’s much less.
The TP is gone. We usually give each client a roll, but I don’t know when we’ll be in a position to do that again.
I’m down many volunteers who have wisely decided to self-isolate, but we have staff from other closed programs who are helping out.
Many, many people are calling and asking how they can help. I’ve been impressed by the number of good people out there.
Cash and food donations are up, which is good because this business may well kill our organization unless we can solicit enough funding to keep us going.
Restaurants are bringing us a ton of food since many are closed.
Good weather has helped a lot. It snowed heavily over the weekend, and I’m grateful the spring weather is back.
We’re expediting a food delivery service that I’ve been working on and had planned to roll out this summer. Hopefully, by next week, we’ll be bringing food boxes to people’s homes.
If those of you in Portland know anyone in need due to lay off or any other reason, let them know that food pantries around town are ready to help.
If you know someone with mobility issues or other obstacles, you can pick up food for them.
If you’re looking for other ways to help, try volunteering and, if possible, donate food or money (pantries can buy a lot of food cheaply). Any amount helps.
I wish I could predict when all this will end, but all I can do is focus on the present and the things I can do to help people get by till it does. I’m grateful that helping is also my job.
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