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Agency Zone – Coronavirus Update

HAND SANITIZER SDS INFORMATION:

7/16/2020: All food pantry partners will be receiving hand sanitizer bottles from The Idaho Foodbank to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Please review the Safety Data Sheet for this product and keep it on hand at your pantry in case of emergency: Safety Data Sheet – Hand Sanitizer

April 10, 2020

Dear Partners,

We hope you are all well and healthy. During challenging times like these, those with unwavering commitment to serving others stand tall. Please know that all of The Idaho Foodbank team recognizes you as the giants in our communities, holding onto your commitment and finding the resolve to do what it takes to help those who are suffering. We are proud to support you, and committed to doing our best to help everyone navigate through this challenging time.

PARTNER RESPONSE TEAM:

By now you should have received an email from your personal Partner Response Team contact. Please respond as we want to continue the conversation on how we can support you.
Please send a note to the following address if you did NOT receive an email from a Partner Response Team member: covidresponse@idahofoodbank.org

FOOD UPDATE:

Starting now there are no delivery fees for standing delivery appointments on existing IFB routes during the pandemic.
As shared, The Foodbank has purchased 10 truckloads of food that are making their way to Idaho. As expected the delivery timeline is extended beyond “normal” given current conditions in the national food supply chain, but we hope to start seeing some of this product next week.
There is an ABUNDANCE of produce and dairy available nationally and to you through Agency Express. If you are able and willingly to take additional produce and dairy products (specifically yogurt and milk) please adjust your order or contact your Partner Response Team person. With school closures and a slower demand for this type of product we anticipate having a high volume of dairy and produce available over the coming weeks.
Before heading to the grocery store to purchase food for your inventory, please consider looking at the Power of Purchase Program items that are available for you in Agency Express. This program was specifically created to save you money on items that we cannot get donated but are able to pass significant cost saving on to you by purchasing in high volumes.
Pre-made Boxes: Please know at this time we do not have pre-made boxes of food for ordering. We are boxing food for Mobile Pantries unless the Site Coordinator can box on site. In critical situations we are doing all we can to fill requests for pre-made boxes when an agency is truly unable to serve without assistance.
- If you need cardboard boxes in order to build pre-made food boxes at your location, please let your Partner Response Team member know and we will add boxes to your order.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES:

United Ways across Idaho, The Idaho Community Foundation, and the Idaho Nonprofit Center have together established a COVID-19 relief fund. We encourage you to apply for a grant at: https://www.unitedwaytv.org/covid-19-response-and-recovery-fund-idaho
IDAHO GIVES (April 23-May 7) is designed to raise money and awareness for Idaho nonprofits. org provides an easy-to-use platform for donors to search, support and donate to Idaho nonprofits. Registration is open now with a deadline of April 15.
- Once you’ve registered, please notify us by sending an email to Clincoln@idahofoodbank.org so we can help highlight and promote SUPPORT your participation.

CDC MASK RECOMMENDATIONS:

As of April 4^th the CDC recommended wearing cloth face coverings in public settings:

The Idaho Foodbank is now asking staff members to wear masks and strongly encouraging our volunteers to bring their own mask, scarf or bandana for work shifts.
For more information please go to:https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html
To learn how to properly use, care for and make a mask go to: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html?deliveryName=USCDC_2067-DM25135
*There is also a PDF available – see separate attachment

IFB STAFF ANNOUCEMENTS:

Please join us in welcoming Sara Mejia as our new Agency Relations Specialist. Sara has recently relocated from Orlando, Florida where she was the Agency Relations Coordinator for the Second Harvest Foodbank.We are excited to have someone with Sara’s experience join the team.
We regret to announce that Heath Ribordy has resigned his position as Director of Programs.We appreciate Heath’s work and tireless efforts and wish him well on his next career adventure.

REGIONAL CONTACTS

Boise Branch – Sara Mejia 208-336-9643
Pocatello Branch – Kia Shaw 208-233-8811
Lewiston Branch – Tanya Garner 208-746-2288

ACTION POINTS:

Please reach out to your Partner Response contact immediately if you need volunteers. They can help.
Let us know if your hours of operation have changed. This crucial information needs to be accurate and current in the Food Assistance Locator page:org/getfood/
Please send contact information updates to:covidresponse@idahofoodbank.org
Contact us immediately if you require volunteer support: covidresponse@idahofoodbank.org

RESOURCES:

As you know, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a rapidly evolving story, so we wanted to take a moment to share with you relevant information that we have received and practical preventive measures we encourage you to continue to implement. We say “continue” as we know that many of the recommendations listed below are best practices you already adhere to, but that may need more attention and awareness during this current health emergency.

At this time, no cases have been reported in Idaho and the risk in Idaho is low. Please monitor The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW) for current information: healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/COVID19
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported the community spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 in California, Oregon, and Washington. The CDC’s website is an excellent resource for up-to-date information and resources: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV

UPDATE 3-11-2020

So far, according to the CDC, there has been no evidence that the virus has been transmitted by food. We have included some additional links:

Prevention

There is currently no vaccine to prevent this particular strain of the coronavirus, however, recommendations to prevent infection are aligned with everyday measures to avoid the spread of respiratory diseases. These actions include:

Practice good hand washing and hand hygiene. Wash your hands well and often, for at least 20 seconds with warm soapy water. Follow with a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Cover your nose and mouth with a flexed elbow or paper tissue when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of the tissue immediately and wash your hands.
Refrain from touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Perform hand hygiene afterward if you must touch your face.
Make sure you have your flu vaccine. This will help maintain your personal health, protect your immune system, and reduce stress on the medical system.
Risk of virus transmission via food in the supply chain is very low – it is more of a person-to-person risk.
Frequent reminders for all volunteers and visitors of proper hygiene protocol while in your facilities is important.
Employee health and hygiene is critical in controlling the spread of the virus. Do not go to work ill. Staying home when you are sick will reduce the risk of any illness to yourself and your co-workers.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Have best practices and proper equipment and chemicals in place for cleaning up an issue with bodily fluids in your establishment (e.g. vomit, blood, urine).
Ensure effective sanitation programs and perform routine environmental cleaning of your facility. Use cleaning agents that effectively kill bacteria and viruses. No additional disinfection beyond what is required for food safety is recommended at this time.

Our normal best practices for health and safety are effective. We simply need to be more mindful and vigilant in applying them, especially during the cold and flu season. If you have any questions or concerns regarding COVID-19, please reference the websites above.

Let’s all stay healthy!