Staff report
The Hays County Food Bank has changed its distribution model in order to adhere to social distancing intended to slow the spread of COVID-19 — just as Executive Director Eleanor Owen-Oshan predicted.
And, more changes may follow as the full effect of the closure of bars, restaurants and other businesses across the county becomes known.
As of March 19, the food bank has not yet experienced a “mad rush,” Communications Coordinator Mallory Best sad, “we anticipate the need to grow as more and more people are forced to stay home from work and are unable to provide for their families’ needs.”
For the foreseeable future, all food bank distributions will be of bagged food and will be conducted via drive-through in the open air with limited interpersonal contact, (Volunteers and staff will be practicing safe social distancing and will be wearing gloves.) Distributions will remain at the same time and location, which include:
- Tuesdays at noon at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 801 N. Burleson, Kyle
- Thursdays at noon at The Connection Church 1235 S. Loop 4, Buda
Clients may receive food twice a week. If you are sick the food bank recommends you send a proxy. Those over 60 years of age or are at higher risk for contracting the virus area also encouraged to send a proxy.
Prioxies must present the bar code issued to the client during their initial visit to be able to get food.
In order to qualify for food assistance, people must
- Have a household incline at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level.
- Participate in SNAP, TANF, SSI, Medicaid or the national school lunch program.
- Have a temporary food emergency such as los of job.
Central Texas Food Bank and Hays County Food Bank also encourage everyone in need to visit the Mobile Pantry on Tuesday, April 7 at 8:30 a.m. at San Marcos Toyota Rattler Stadium. This is a recurring distribution that happens every first Tuesday of the month.
Food bank offices are closed to the public. Donations are being accepted, but anyone donating should call 512-392-8200 to schedule a drop-off time. Online cash donations can e made at https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/HaysCountyFoodBank_3/donate.html.
High on the list of currently needs items are canned tuna, chicken and salmon, mixed vegetables fruits, soups and tomato products. Long-running arrangements with suppliers including H-E-B and Sam’s Club have dropped off.
Also needed are hand soap, sanitizer and gloves for staff and volunteers and clean grocery bags, paper, plastic or reusable.
For the latest information, check haysfoodbank.org.
