Food Closet Update

Your support, encouragement and prayers for Good Samaritan's Food Closet Ministry is deeply appreciated. We are doing everything we can to keep the Food Closet operational to serve our community, including the new folks who are finding us during this current crisis. Folks receiving food these last two weeks have been effusive in expressing their gratitude that we are still making food available and keenly aware that other food services have had to shutter their operations. Please know that our church family's prayers and encouragement are making a direct impact in people's lives. We have seen an increase of about 10% in these early weeks, while we understand other locations are seeing increases of 25% and more already.

We have learned a lot about operating in this difficult environment and have continuously made operating changes mindful of the safety of our volunteers and those we serve. We have closed down the Food Closet Sign Up Genius. Consistent with evolving practices of the Chester County Food Bank and other food support services, we are now working with a very few volunteers who will take on roles and operate food distribution as best we can. We have made this decision with careful consideration of the safety of everyone involved, and so that our core volunteers can feel comfortable. By having just a small group of folks spread out at the church to do our tasks we are all able to be very mindful of exercising the strongest possible safety practices with gloves, hand-washing and social distancing. By taking this extreme approach, we also minimize the risk that we might need to shut down for a two week period in the same way Philabundance has had to do this week when one of their employees was exposed to COVID-19.

Since we are experiencing difficulty getting the food we need to buy, suggestions have been made that we ask the congregation and all of our supporters to buy and donate items. Unfortunately we know that the generosity likely to ensue would be beyond our capacity to manage. Instead, if you or others would like to support the Food Closet, donations would be greatly appreciated. To give online click here and select Food Closet as the fund. You can also text (484) 324-2344 to give online, select "Food Closet."

Please pray for God's blessings and protection for this ministry and all of our Food Closet family.

The Food Closet Leadership Team 

Joan, Barb, Ron, Jane, Carole, Heather, Roxy, Steve, Mary, Dwight, Linda, Bob, John and Charlene - foodcloset@good-samaritan.org