Food for People is here for the community during the COVID-19 crisis. Many are suffering in our community with the call for self-isolation - from families staying home with kids, to seniors unable to leave the home, or those experiencing lost wages or revenues. Our staff is hard at work making sure we can safely provide food to those in need.
We are closely monitoring the evolving situation and are following safety guidelines to continue to serve our community while ensuring the health and well-being of our clients, volunteers, and staff.
To help prevent the spread of disease, we are taking proactive steps including:
- pre-packing food bags
- implementing drive through distributions where possible
- thoroughly disinfecting surfaces
- changing signature procedures
- increasing space for people to practice “social distancing” while at distributions
- We are urging all participants and volunteers - if feeling ill, stay home to prevent spreading illness. A proxy may be sent to pick up for those in need of food who cannot or should not leave home. Please be sure the note has the date, who the food is for, and permission for the name of person who is picking it up.
- To learn more about our safety protocols in each program, check out our Safe Food Distribution page.
PROGRAM UPDATES:
- Food Pantries – deliveries to our countywide network of food pantries is continuing. Each pantry is modifying distributions for safety and social distancing. Find the Food Pantry closest to you HERE.
- Senior & Homebound Programs - Programs are continuing. Distribution proceedures are changing to cut down on risks and keep clients safe.
- Backpacks for Kids - We are working closley with schools to make sure students are still able to recieve bags.
- Mobile Produce Pantry - We are working hard to establish alternative ways to get produce out safely, in a manner that adheres to recommended "social distancing."
Have a child at home? Schools are working hard to make sure kids can still access free meals when needed. Check out this list to see where students can receive free meals during school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
*To view highlights of the research we're gathering across the state, west coast, and nation on emergency food distribution methods and logistics during the pandemic, please click here.
CalFresh:
- You may be eligible for additional benefits! Check your EBT balance after April 12th and May 10th! To check your balance: 1-877-328-9677, www.freshebt.com.
- Vienen fondos adicionales de CalFresh! ¡Compruebe su saldo de EBT después del 12 de abril y el 10 de mayo! Compruebe el saldo de su cuenta: 1-877-328-9677, www.freshebt.com.
- To apply for CalFresh or learn more about additional "Emergency Allotment" benefit increases for March and April, please visit our COVID-19 CalFresh page or our general CalFresh Help page.
How can you help?
- Financial donations are the best way to help support those currently experiencing hunger in our community. DONATE NOW
- We are building a Volunteer Response Team, to help keep programs operating for limited-income seniors, homebound folks, children, and families in need during the COVID-19 crisis. This will require more people power than usual. Please click here to fill out our Volunteer Response Team form. Our staff will process it and get back to you as we put together response teams for various programs. We will contact you as soon as possible--thank you for your patience.
- We cannot accept food donations at this time, due to the lack of storage space caused by the damage to our building and COVID-19 contamination precautions.