DEVENS — Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry is aiming to reopen in the next few weeks after closing amid the coronavirus pandemic to refresh volunteers, secure new means of getting food supplies and to set up drive-thru operations and safety protocols.
The food pantry closed temporarily due to logistical issues despite no known cases of COVID-19 among staff and volunteers, according to a press release issued Tuesday by the food pantry.
Before reopening within the next few weeks, the food pantry still has issues to solve, the release states.
Due to high client numbers prior to the temporary closure, their shelves are currently depleted, according to the food pantry. They are currently accepting financial support to minimize exposure to the virus.
Those interested, can donate at loavesfishespantry.org/donate-now or by mailing a check to Loaves & Fishes at PO Box 1, Ayer, Ma 01432.
According to the food pantry release, they are also seeking volunteers in age groups less vulnerable to COVID-19. Those who can help for up to a three-hour shift during one or more open pantry sessions or stocking sessions each month are asked to email the volunteer coordinator at volunteer@loavesfishespantry.org.
Volunteers might be asked to prepare shelf-stable pre-packs, prepare protein/produce packs, assist with bringing client grocery bags to the distribution area, direct traffic restock shelves or receive donations from their business partners.
The release also states they are looking for two to four drivers who have access to box trucks. The drivers would take turns picking up 15,000 pounds of food at the Greater Boston Food Bank, once per week, on Monday or Tuesday morning or early afternoon. Those who qualify are asked to email foodcoordinator@loavesfishespantry.org.
The press release also provided a statement to their clients thanking them for their patience during the foot pantry’s service interruption.
“We know you may need us even more during this difficult time and we will be open as soon as we can,” the release states.
When the food pantry reopens, clients can expect them to initially be open twice a week; clients will stay in their car until it is time to load their groceries into their car; clients will be checked in by a pantry crew member who will collect basic information; a number will be placed on client windshields; clients will drive to the back of the building to load groceries into their car; and clients will receive shelf-stable products, produce, protein and milk vouchers.
For more information, visit the pantry’s website loavesfishespantry.org, or their Facebook page facebook.com/loavesfishespantry/.
Clients can subscribe for the pantry’s email at loavesfishespantry.org/contact-us/subscribe.
The Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry can be reached by phone at 978-772-4627.
Follow Aaron Curtis on Twitter @aselahcurtis
