As the Coronavirus, COVID-19, continues to reach more states, the health and safety of our employees, hunger-relief partners and neighbors served are our primary concern. During this time, we will continue to operate under the following guiding principles:
- Keep our employees safe.
- Continue to serve our hunger-relief partners with the highest standards.
- Do our part to slow community spread of the virus as guided by recommendations by local authorities.
The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank is working to be prepared for all scenarios. The Foodbank is monitoring for any increase in food demand, cancellation of any network partner food programs, or disruption in food sourcing related to COVID-19.
We are working with the Summit County Emergency Management Agency, Ohio Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, the Ohio Association of Foodbanks and Feeding America to access and assess the most up-to-date information. We are currently gathering best practices from other food banks, Feeding America and other disaster response organizations to determine alternative procedures during interactions such as food distributions, volunteer activities and special events if illness connected to this virus should escalate in our community. The Foodbank is reviewing its Foodbank Disaster Response Plan, focusing on its Continuity of Operations Plan, internal and external communications and pandemic response.
The Foodbank will take every step possible to respond to any disaster and to serve as a resource for our community. We will also work with our hunger-relief partners to provide resources, information and leadership as this situation unfolds.
We are emphasizing the importance of personal hygiene practices to our employees, volunteers and hunger-relief partners, following the lead of public health professionals and recommendations, which include:
- Keep your hands clean by regularly washing them in hot water and soap for a minimum of 20 seconds. This is especially important after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing into your hand, or using the restroom.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home from work if you have flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath.
- Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
- Get adequate sleep and eat well-balanced meals to ensure a healthy immune system.
- Use sanitizer or sanitizing wipes to keep surfaces clean that multiple people will touch, like tables, counters, phones, pens, etc.