COVID-19 How to Move to Contact-Free Food Distribution

Dear Partner Agencies,

Thank you for the work you’re doing to address food-related crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic. We want to reiterate MANNA FoodBank is here for your agency, and our team is working day and night to address your questions and reassure you that we will stand by you throughout this crisis .

All week we’ve heard from agencies about the incredible shift in operations they’ve undertaken to move to contact-free or low-contact distribution methods. Here are a few examples from our partner agency network:

CONTACT-FREE DISTRIBUTION METHODS

FOOD PANTRIES & MARKETS

Shift operations from client choice to pre-boxed food.
Host “drive-through” mobile pantries where clients drive a vehicle through a distribution line. Consult local law enforcement to ensure proper traffic control is available.
Schedule appointments to limit the number of people congregating at a pantry site at one time. This may require cell phone numbers or emails information from clients. The following free tools are not customized for operations – however, they may prove helpful:
Calendly.com – Free scheduling site
Remind.com – Free text or email system for teachers. Set up a “classroom” per time slot or per distribution.
If intake paperwork is still required, take intake over the phone to reduce contact with paperwork & staff/volunteers – even if the client is onsite.

COMMUNITY MEALS

Shift to “to-go meals”
Deliver meals to client’s cars when possible and place directly in their trunk.
If your operations allow for “walk up pick up” meals ensure those queuing practice social distancing and request clients stand 6 feet apart.
To reduce the number of people gathering in a facility set up a table or tent outside to allow individuals to order/pick up food.

SANITATION TIP

The CDC is recommending a bleach and water mixture as effective against COVID-19 on certain surfaces, learn more HERE.

REMEMBER, KEEP US UPDATED

Many, many communities are asking us to direct people seeking food resources to the appropriate agency. To that end it is imperative that you communicate your pantry status and any changes to operations with MANNA as frequently as possible.

Have you changed you distribution dates or hours of distribution?
Will you be shifting to a different style of food distribution? (Example: Drive through or pre-boxed food)
Do you need volunteers from the community?

Communicate any and all changes with your Zone Coordinator or our Agency Relations Coordinator or simply reply to this email.

FINAL REMINDER – ORDERS NEED TO BE PLACED TODAY FOR PICK UP NEXT WEEK

As part of our response to COVID-19 we will shifting all agency shopping from the sales floor to our online ordering system starting on March 23rd, 2020. This means that starting on March 23rd you will be able to pick up orders placed online that you normally would have shopped for in person. The produce and bread items you normally pick up on the sales floor will be available via the online ordering system.

If our online ordering system is new to you or if you need a refresher please reference this video guide that we have created to assist you. If you need further assistance with our ordering system or with your user name and password please reach out to Chris Rainwater, our Agency Relations Coordinator, with the below contact information and he will be happy to assist you with any issues you may be having.

If you are attempting to place an order outside of your designated times OR if you are a mobile agency trying to schedule for pickup please contact Glenda Gragg prior to placing your order to ensure scheduling is possible. You can reach Glenda at: (828)299-3663, ext 1227.

Click here to view the online order training

MANNA AGENCY RELATIONS CONTACT INFORMATION:

Amy Sims, Western Zone Outreach Coordinator – 828-399-1147, asims@mannafoodbank.org

Kaitlyn Smith, Eastern Zone Outreach Coordinator – 434-806-9965, ksmith@mannafoodbank.org

Leah Cormier, Buncombe County Outreach Coordinator – 828-774-5915, lcormier@mannafoodbank.org

Chris Rainwater, Agency Relations Coordinator - 828-299-3663 x1272, crainwater@mannafoodbank.org

ACTIONS TO STAY UP TO DATE:

For additional updates, please sign up for this email list: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/uDQQJRq

Join our Partner Agency text alert system to receive communications right to your smart phone: Text APPLE to (828)348-5883

We have launched the following web page to provide constant and up to date information regarding MANNA resources for Partner Agencies: https://www.mannafoodbank.org/agency-access-and-information/covid-19-for-agencies/

Thank you and be well,

The Agency Relations Team