November 30, 2020 at 10:40 a.m.
Food pantry officials reflect on impact of COVID-19
One million pounds of food distributed in 2020
Food pantry officials reflect on impact of COVID-19
By Stephanie Kuski-
Indeed, the months-long pandemic has presented numerous challenges for the pantry to overcome. RAFP executive director Guy Hansen noted a number of COVID-related changes the pantry has implemented since the pandemic began in March: making the switch from a choice pantry to a drive-up, no-contact distribution; installing a sanitizing station and sneeze shields; requiring masks and a temperature check for staff and volunteers upon entry; and lots of extra sanitizing in an effort to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus.
RAFP has also received a number of COVID relief grants, which has allowed the pantry to purchase a much-needed walk-in cooler, install automatic doors at the entrance and add shelving units to make better use of the pantry's space. Operations assistant Courtney Smith noted the majority of these upgrades will last long into the future to create a safe space for customers once they are allowed back into the building.
For the time being, however, pantry customers drive up to receive pre-packaged boxes based on their household size. A one to two person household, for example, would receive roughly 75 to 85 pounds of nutritious non-perishable and perishable goods in addition to staple items. The pantry also offers customers a choice of special items like vegetable oil, produce or dairy products in addition to the pre-packaged boxes.
Hansen noted the pandemic has led to a significant increase in the amount of food the pantry has distributed to customers. So far this year, RAFP has already distributed close to one million pounds of food compared to roughly 600,000 pounds of food distributed in 2019.
Of that total, more than 413,000 pounds of food were provided free to community members regardless of income through the USDA Farmer to Family program for several weeks throughout the late summer and into early fall.
Approximately 600 individuals were served during each Farmer to Family distribution, Smith said, noting the extraordinary number of individuals served during these special distributions is a testament to the need in our community during these times of uncertainty and financial hardship.
In an effort to support members of the community who have become unemployed, laid off or otherwise financially affected by the onslaught of COVID-19, RAFP has also extended their income eligibility requirements.
Effective June 1, 2020, Oneida County residents with a household income of less than 300% of the poverty level are eligible to receive food from RAFP. Since the new income requirements are determined by monthly income rather than annual income, if an individual has become unemployed or laid off during the pandemic, they may qualify. For example, a four-person household with a monthly income of less than $6,550 is eligible to receive food.
Hansen noted those who weren't eligible in the past may qualify with the new income requirements.
Those who are out of work because they tested positive for COVID-19 are also eligible for unemployment in addition to pantry services, added pantry manager Jane Motowski.
In the schools, RAFP is continuing its partnership with the School District of Rhinelander for their Weekend Food For Kids (WFFK) program, which provides students in need with a backpack full of nutritious, ready-made food to bring home for the weekend.
But pantry officials note the number of students enrolled in the WFFK program is down significantly this year, especially for students who are participating in virtual learning. They note, however, that the program is still available and those interested in enrolling can consult with their school guidance counselor for more information.
While RAFP has been able to take many of these COVID-related changes in stride, pantry officials note their success would not be possible without the efforts of their volunteers.
"I think it's absolutely stunning when you stop and look at the volunteer numbers and hours," Smith commented. "They have taken on an extra level of work to really ensure that our customers are getting a similar experience to what they had before. It's a phenomenal effort."
Motowski noted the pantry averages between 1,000 and 1,200 volunteer hours each month. Extra volunteers were also needed for the special Farmer to Family distributions; Smith noted it took roughly 70 volunteer hours in a single day to make those distributions possible.
Despite losing some older volunteers due to COVID concerns, Hansen noted the pantry has been able to maintain its volunteer base throughout the pandemic because other groups have stepped up to take their place.
Smith added the pantry has also already received numerous monetary and food donations at the start of the season of giving.
"We have community support that is unsolicited," Smith said. "It's phenomenal. People can really get behind having a hunger-free community. I think it's really impressive."
She noted community organizations like the Rhinelander Turkey Trot and Lights of the Northwoods host community food drives benefitting the pantry. In addition, organizations like the GFWC Rhinelander Woman's Club and the Rhinelander Seventh-day Adventist Church provided monetary donations to help purchase 240 Thanksgiving turkeys for pantry customers. Rhinelander GM also provided an additional 40 turkeys for pantry customers to enjoy.
Pantry volunteers such as Jackie Popko, Mary Tulowitzky, Sukey Ginzl and others have also been working diligently to make holiday gift bags. When customers received their turkeys in the weeks prior to Thanksgiving, they were also asked if they would like to participate in a drawing to receive a holiday bag with small gifts like socks, hand-crocheted quilts, candles, toiletries, gift cards and small children's games.
When asked what the community can do to support the local pantry, officials noted food and monetary donations are accepted year-round and all donations made to RAFP stay within the community to benefit local individuals.
Volunteers are also essential to the pantry's success. Volunteers are needed to help with the regular distributions on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays; to work at the Rhinelander Area Community Garden and/or greenhouse; and to help package bags for the WFFK program.
Although donating and volunteering are a vital means of supporting the cause, individuals can also advocate for RAFP's mission by simply engaging in dialogue about hunger in our community. While it can be alarming to recognize, pantry officials note it's often our neighbors, friends or even family who are going hungry, even when we don't readily recognize it.
"I think it's important for us to understand the dynamics of food insecurity and what it means to be hungry," Smith commented. "Just understanding that anyone at any point can become hungry and not have the things they need to feed themselves or their family."
For more information about the RAFP and its services, visit www.rhinelander
areafoodpantry.org or call (715) 369-7237.
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