Local food pantry alters operation due to virus

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The Fayette County Food Pantry is still open and serving the community although some changes have been made.

Although the pantry, which is located at First Presbyterian Church at 214 N. Hinde St. in Washington C.H., typically distributes groceries on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1 to 3 p.m., current hours of distribution are 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays only.

According to Sue Willis, one of the co-directors for the pantry, this is to help their senior volunteers to have limited exposure during the current COVID-19 pandemic as only seven of their approximate 40 volunteers are under 65 years of age.

As typical for the pantry, only residents of the county can use its services however, the pantry follows the poverty level guidelines provided by the Mid Ohio Food Bank, according to Willis.

“We are also available to reach out to families during extraordinary times of natural disasters, house fires, etc.,” explained Willis via email.

For those in need, they can show up for distribution with a current photo ID.

“Normally, recipients come into the pantry and get to choose the groceries their family can use most,” explained Willis. “During this pandemic, the volunteers pre-box the items that are most commonly chosen and set the box outside for the next recipient standing on our sidewalk.”

Willis further explained that as of right now, the pantry is doing okay on supplies as it has “many weeks” worth of groceries but can always accept cash donations so items that are needed most can be purchased.

On April 3, donated produce will be distributed from 1 to 3 p.m. as well, according to Willis. This produce is available to all Fayette County residents and is first-come, first-serve. Although this service is typically done by having people line up, currently it is being done as a drive-by.

Due to the stay-at-home order, there is currently no one working in the First Presbyterian Church office.

Reach Jennifer Woods at 740-313-0355 or on Twitter @JennMWoods.

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By Jennifer Woods

[email protected]

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