The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank (CPFB) wants people to know that the charitable food network is still operational, albeit with significant precautionary procedures to maintain maximum safety while striving to maintain a robust response. Individuals who are hungry and families that rely on food assistance should still seek help when they need it. CPFB leaders are committed to meeting the elevated need that they believe will develop as the COVID-19 situation continues.
CPFB leaders have advised their charitable food partners to continue their work with a modified delivery, such as drive-through distribution sites, grab-and-go meals, and appointment-only access to food pantries to limit the gathering of large groups of people. The process for signing up for the programs can be done over the phone in many cases or will be waived all together, so people should not hesitate to ask for help. Readers may visit the Find Food page on http://www.centralpafoodbank.org to find the program closest to them.
Second, community assistance is needed to keep the CPFB operating well. Volunteerism is critical to the core mission of the CPFB and its partner agencies. To ensure the safety of the volunteers, the food bank has implemented several restrictions, including limiting staffing to only 10 individuals at a time. People who are healthy and have some free time to give are invited to volunteer.
Finally, if people want to help, financial contributions are being welcomed. The CPFB can acquire nutritious food in large quantities that has been handled safely and make it stretch very far. A $1 donation can help the food bank provide six meals. Rather than bringing people together in person for a traditional food drive, CPFB staffers can set groups up to do a virtual food drive online.
For more information, about the CPFB, readers may contact Amy Hill at abhill@centralpafoodbank.org or 717-343-9475 or visit the aforementioned website.
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