Johnston Partnership Update and Info
(Submitted by the Johnston Partnership on Tuesday, March 17)
Effective March 17th, the Johnston Partnership will be operating under new procedures to inhibit the spread of COVID-19
As always, we ask that any staff or volunteers stay home if sick. Just like school, you need to be fever free and 24 hours removed from any symptoms before coming to the pantry.
We continue to clean as we always have, as we do have high traffic volume in our small space. All surfaces that are regularly touched – door handles, grocery carts, the bathroom, etc. will be cleaned at the end of the pantry day. We have hand sanitizer, hand soap and paper towels on hand, and encourage regular breaks for anyone who touches food to wash hands.
The Johnston Partnership will operate our Food Pantry with a paper order form (see link below). After placing an order, clients will be asked to wait in their vehicles or outside while it is being completed. Call/email ahead orders are also welcome, using the forms attached to this post or found on our website. Email orders to andrea@johnstonpartnership.org or call in at 515-528-2379 or 515-868-1357. Staff & volunteers will be the only ones allowed inside the pantry. Staff will be the only ones with any client contact, as food pantry volunteers will be pulling orders, stocking and organizing as always. Anytime items will be pre-bagged and distributed according to family size.
Our clothing room will be closed until further notice, as there will be no safe way to operate that space. If you have donations, we ask that you hold them until April 14th.
Our newly-formed Benevolence Fund will still be accessible. This is open to those who live within the Johnston School District boundaries, and it does require a short application/interview process. We are able to assist with financial needs such as rental assistance, utility assistance or other emergency financial needs.
We thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. It is critical that we find a way to stay open, as the needs around food insecurity will only increase when people are home for long periods of time. We will be open during our regular hours: Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays 9am-1pm.
If you would like to help, we will still need volunteers! Sign up (or walk-in) at www.johnstonpartnership.org. Monetary donations go a lot further to help us fill ever changing needs. Click the Donate button here or on our website!
