COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – After closing for one week to assess the COVID-19 situation and its impact on volunteers, the Branch Area Food Pantry is scheduled to reopen next week.
According to food pantry manager Patti Daoud, they will resume distribution Tuesday, April 7 from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Pantry volunteers will be meeting Monday to receive food supplies, assemble the food boxes, and create a safe and efficient method of distribution.
Daoud says they have sanitized the pantry and will be wearing masks and gloves. In addition to their normal volunteers, they will be assisted by two to four Michigan National Guardsmen.
The food pantry will also be distributing 200 Fresh Food Initiative boxes Thursday, April 9 from 10:00-12 noon.
Meantime, the South Michigan Food Bank will hold a Fresh Food Distribution beginning this Wednesday, April 8 from 1:00: p.m.-3:00 p.m. at the Coldwater Ponderosa parking lot and running for six weeks.
Branch County Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence staff and Branch County United Way volunteers are partnering on the effort.
According to United Way Executive Director Kevin Sheppard, they will also be handing out a limited supply of hygiene products that were donated, as well as resource cards.
All volunteers will be wearing personal protection equipment.
