When COVID-19 hit New York State, the Food Bank of the Southern Tier was unable to safely host traditional Mobile Food Pantries, where up to 150 households are served by standing in line to receive grocery items. In response, the Food Bank and its community partners launched Community Food Distributions to help meet the drastic increase in need across a six-county service area. With the help of many volunteers and partner agencies, the Food Bank was able to serve as many as 500 households at each distribution
CFDs allow for safe social distancing while also serving a large quantity of households, especially people who are needing food assistance for the first time. At the same time, the Food Bank was limited to 10 CFD locations across the region due to the complexity of the operations and volume of traffic.
In order to serve as many households as possible in the 4,000 square mile service area, the Food Bank had to return to using Mobile Food Pantries. One of the greatest benefits of MFPs is that up to three trucks a day can be deployed to serve more families.
Throughout the fall, more MFP locations will reopen, using a drive-thru, or in some cases a safe walk-up, distribution model and pre-registration will be required to attend. Registration will open one weekday before the event between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. or until full.
More than 40 percent of those attending CFDs are new to the emergency food system and there are so many great resources that are available. Food pantries are open across the region, and they have adjusted their distribution models to make it safe for all, and some include drive-thru pick-ups and appointments, all while doing their best to offer choice.
To access all resources available, visit www.foodbankst.org/find-food, or dial 2-1-1 to talk to someone who can refer you to local resources.
