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OUR MISSION IN ACTION FLYER

The Freestore Foodbank is here to serve our neighbors in the tristate when they need us the most. We provide food, connection, and hope, especially during the most challenging times. As we face the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, our main priority is to keep our customers, volunteers, donors, and staff safe.

We are currently working to develop strategies and plans while meeting the community needs as we continue to monitor this rapidly evolving situation. We are following guidance from the CDC, federal, state and local agencies as well as working with the Feeding America Network of foodbanks. Our team is following the guidelines and recommendations of the CDC on the steps we can take to help prevent the spread of the virus.

 Effective March 16, 2020 

Last updated: 2021-01-21 09:01:12

If You Need Food or Services

*Masks are required to enter the building for ANY services and will be provided to those upon request. Pre-packaged food bags (26 pounds) will be distributed from the front bay for those who choose not to shop in the market or who do not want to enter the building (for whatever reason).

**The Ohio National Guard is currently helping us pack emergency boxes at out our warehouse and assisting our Healthy Harvest Mobile Market operations. They are not delivering food to homes. Senior Boxes, Emergency Food Boxes, Power Packs, School/Clinic Pantry and Partner Agency Pantry food distribution remains our focus. All other services are temporarily suspended or moved to virtual access.

How You Can Help

  • At this time we are asking you to not conduct food drives. Doing so could add to the current challenges at the local grocers and require additional volunteers to sort and pack. If you have the means to donate financially, make a donation so we can purchase large quantities of food to be shipped directly to us for lower costs and get specific products out to our local pantries and partners.
  • If you would like to help your local pantry and see their needs for food or volunteers, find one near you.
  • Your support is always appreciated; financial support lets us use your gift to meet the greatest needs. A donation of any amount helps us continue to respond.
  • If you distribute food to those in need and need assistance with food and other resources, email us directly at help@freestorefoodbank.org.

Volunteering and Events

  • Freestore Foodbank Mayerson Distribution Center volunteer shifts will begin on Monday, August 10th. Volunteers can begin reserving shifts on Monday, July 13th. Volunteer shifts will be limited to 20/25 volunteers. The volunteer shifts will be Monday through Friday with a morning shift from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and an afternoon shift from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. You can view our upcoming volunteer shifts. You will not be able to see our August volunteer shifts until July 10th!

COVID-19 Volunteer Guidelines

Please know that during this challenging time we are doing everything possible to ensure your safety when you volunteer by:

  • If you have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19 prior to 2 weeks of your volunteer event, you will not be allowed to volunteer.
  • All volunteers will be given a no-touch temp check upon arrival. Volunteers with a temperature of 100.4 or above (the recommended threshold from the CDC) will be asked to leave and reschedule their shift. Volunteers will be ask appropriate COVID-19 questions upon volunteer entry.
  • Entry into the main door of the Mayerson Distribution Center, will be one (1) volunteer at a time. Follow the duck feet on the sidewalk. (Special considerations for minors, ages 8 and up with their parent/guardian on family volunteer events.) Use Hand Sanitizer upon arrival.
  • Entry into the Liberty Street Market through the main entrance and up the ramp to the volunteer check in desk located on your right at the top of the ramp.
  • Providing several hand-washing stations – Please wash your hands upon arrival. Hand washing should last at least 20 seconds under warm water.
  • Deep cleaning – Freestore Foodbank staff are continuously doing deep cleanings at all of our volunteer locations.
  • Eliminating Handshakes and hugs – Sorry. Elbow bumps are welcomed!
  • Social distancing: accommodations are in place to allow volunteers to perform their duties with reasonable social distancing.
  • Providing Protective Gear – We have hand sanitizer located throughout our various facilities. We also have masks andgloves available for volunteers during their shift. (If volunteer has their own mask, please bring, we will have masks/gloves as needed.) Stay Healthy – If you are feeling under the weather we ask that you cancel your registration and come back and visit us when you feel better.
  • Proper disposal of mask/gloves at the end of each shift.
  • Hand Washing before leaving Freestore Foodbank volunteer shift.

The current situation is obviously fluid and we will be constantly evaluating the needs of our community and organization. Please continue visiting our website and social media pages for updates.

COVID-19 Online Resources

Agency information

Resources on COVID-19

In The News