Inter-Faith Food Shuttle’s priority during the COVID-19 pandemic continues to focus on fulfilling its mission to provide innovative, transformative solutions to end hunger in the community. Food Shuttle programs which provide emergency food assistance to their seven-county service area are seeing a 171% increase in demand due to the coronavirus.
In coordination with Feeding America, Feeding the Carolinas, and the CDC, the Food Shuttle actively monitors developments related to COVID-19. They continue to take proactive measures to protect the health and safety of their staff, volunteers, and clients during this critical time.
On Tuesday, June 9, Inter-Faith Food Shuttle became aware that members of their staff working in the Vernon Malone Center at 1001 Blair Drive in Raleigh, were exposed to a staff member of a tenant organization who tested positive for COVID-19. The exposure occurred in the commercial kitchen shared with the staff of Food Runner’s Collaborative and Meals on Wheels of Wake County. The person who tested positive last worked on-site on Friday, June 5, and started showing symptoms on Saturday, June 6. After testing positive, the person followed Wake County guidelines for providing information on recent contacts and is currently self-quarantining.
In collaboration with Food Runner’s Collaborative and Meals on Wheels of Wake County, the Food Shuttle is working diligently to ensure the safety of their shared building. The Vernon Malone Center closed immediately and will receive deep cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitation services by a professional and reputable disaster and restoration company. The cleaning will include all common areas, the kitchen, warehouse, and offices. Operations at the Child Food Hub, Food Shuttle Farm, and Learning Gardens remain open with continued proactive health safety measures in place. The Vernon Malone Center will re-open on Thursday, June 11.
The Food Shuttle continues to follow the safety practices for essential workers as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control, which include:
The wearing of face coverings
Pre-screening and temperature checks for anyone entering the building
Employees practicing social distancing of six feet
Cleaning and disinfecting all areas and equipment routinely
The Food Shuttle recognizes the unique health and safety challenges faced by food banks and meal providers serving those in need during this time. They are committed to protecting staff and partners and to adapting their service models to slow the spread and minimize risk of transmission.