GUEST PROCESS FOR USING THE PANTRY DUE TO CORONOVIRUS

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY and in place for all upcoming pantry distribution days: 

The OAFP is moving to pre-packaged food and curbside pick-up for our guests. Our food pantry typically provides guests choices when picking up food. This will no longer be possible with curbside pick-up. We will do our best to create packages with a variety of healthy food and will be core items to help families during this pandemic.

We anticipate high volume and ask for patience. We are practicing social distancing, and limiting the number of people in the building. Pantry guests will be instructed to remain in line in their cars until they reach the front of the line, and we will register the guests without having them in the building. 

The pantry is open today for community members in need in the Oregon School District for a pre-bagged drive up service.

HOURS: 

• Every week on Tuesday from 9 - 11 am (hours are strict, we do not open early or stay open late)
• Every SECOND and LAST Thursday from 4 pm to 7 pm (hours are strict, we do not open early or stay open late)

We ask that guests follow the signs and park accordingly. 

- Bring your ID - have it ready.
- Do not get out of your car. We will come to you.
- Do not bring your own bags. We cannot use them at this time.
- Please shut off your car while waiting #SaveThePlanet
- Please use the bathroom before you come; we are trying not to expose volunteers/guests and prefer no one comes in the building
- We cannot take requests for items. We are core items only until the pandemic passes. We are doing our best to provide your family staples to help you stay nourished during this time.
- Be patient; the process has been working smoothly as long as all guests follow the signs. We've got you!

At this time, we are pausing donation of food and ask that you consider a monetary donation if able. These can be made directly on our website. Please check www.oregonareafoodpantry.com for more updates as they are made available.

Please help us spread the word to folks you know use or may need our services. We are doing our best to remain open during this time.

Many thanks for the folks reaching out to OAFP to see how you can help. Here are 3 things you can do right now:

1. Donate money to the Friends of Oregon School District (for those parents in the District you saw an email from Dr. Busler, for those that are not, here is a snippet from it that is helpful to explain why we ask you to donate to FOSD as of Sunday March 15th:

• Food bags from Friends of Oregon School District (FOSD) intended for Spring Break are being prepared today. The distribution plan to families who receive these bags will be finalized in the next 24 hours.
• Oregon School District (OSD) is working on a plan to offer breakfast/lunch for any student who would like access to meals. We are working on the details and will share this plan Monday.
• Community members interested in helping can make a monetary donation to FOSD, which will funnel the funds to OSD to help pay for this expanded food service program.  

2. Donate to the Food Pantry. Food drives are great - but volunteers must sort and handle each item donated. We can do more with money and it's easier for us to process bulk purchases of essential supplies. You can contribute to our cause by clicking this link here.

3. Volunteer. We don’t know what our needs are and they may change daily. Our volunteer list could use your name on it as well, if you are willing. Sign up to be on our Volunteer List at http://bit.ly/3b24XRX

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A reminder to households using the Oregon Area Food Pantry: Our goal is to continue operations and keep existing pantry shopping schedule. This is uncharted territory. Our management committee continues to talk with community leaders to see how we can support the ongoing efforts already being done.

Here are few updates:

1. Please don't come to the pantry if you are sick. Ask a healthy neighbor (not another member of your household) to shop on your behalf and send a note with them.
2. Leave the kids at home. Send only one adult member of the household to shop.
3. Expect longer than usual wait times.
4. Arrive 45 minutes before our scheduled close time - incoming door will be locked at that time so that we can get through the queue.
5. If we are closed and you are having a food emergency, call 2-1-1