Loaves and Fishes of Union County Remains Open NAVIGATING COVID-19 March 1, 2021

As our community continues to monitor the COVID-19 virus and vaccine developments, we will continue to make assessments and consider ways to further support our community as needs unfold.

We will continue to serve our community on the adjusted operational schedule stated below.

Social Distancing is required with limited entry into the building. Pick-up at Door or Curbside Delivery Upon Request Pantry hours will remain 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM on Wednesdays and Saturdays weekly, and 2nd Thursday monthly ONLY

In the effort to help contain the further spread of COVID-19 we will conduct operations in the following manner.

• For the safety of our clients, we will offer no-entry / at door service only until further notice.
• No one will be allowed inside the food pantry except for working volunteer-staff.
• Clients must present a referral from an Authorized Agency for a one-week food supply. No Exceptions
• Clients should wear a facial mask during a visit to the food pantry.
• Volunteer-staff will be required to wash their hands prior to the start of their scheduled volunteer time.
• Volunteer-staff are required to use proper hand sanitizer or wear gloves during scheduled volunteer time.
• Volunteer-staff are required to use social distancing during scheduled volunteer shift.
• All counter-tops, doorknobs and grocery carts will be sanitized prior to the start of operation, during pantry operations and at the closing of operations.
• Volunteer-staff are required to wear a facial mask during scheduled volunteer shift.

How you can help right now?

• Food donations are appreciated and will be collected during operational hours only.
• Monetary donations are always a blessing.
• • Mail a check to Loaves & Fishes of Union County, P.O. Box 790, Monroe, NC 28111
  • Drop off a check during operational hours, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Wednesdays and Saturdays
  • Secure online credit card through Facebook Pay @LoavesandFishesUC - https://www.facebook.com/LoavesandFishesUC
• Check on your neighbors and family. Ask if they need food or cleaning supplies and donate to them directly.
• Not everyone can get out for shopping, consider donating some of your own overstocked items within your home. Even small amounts are always appreciated at this crucial time.

Your cooperation and community support are much needed at this time. Please consider the following to keep aligned with federal and local government, and health officials.

• If you have a fever, cough or sneezing – stay at home.
• Follow guidelines from
• • Union County NC: http://www.unioncountync.gov/
  • NC Dept. of Health & Human Services: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/
  • CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
  • WHO: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Loaves and Fishes of Union County, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, volunteer-based community food pantry program that exists to support local families in crisis.

Loaves and Fishes of Union County, Inc. operates as one of the largest hunger fighting agencies located in Monroe, North Carolina. Food is distributed free of charge to agency certified people of Union County up to three times in a twelve-month period.

We could not do this without community support and a solid set of dedicated volunteers. Volunteers and board members run the pantry, keep client records, raise funds, take responsibility to sort, inspect and pack groceries for distribution to families in crisis.

Loaves and Fishes of Union County, Inc. was founded in 1983. In 1984, incorporated as a volunteer, non-profit, charitable entity and is operated by unpaid volunteers serving Union County in North Carolina.

Loaves and Fishes of Union County, Inc. is grateful to Union County Department of Social Services and Episcopal Diocese of Charlotte for the initial seed grants and the housing arrangement at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Monroe, North Carolina. The pantry space and involvement of key members of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church congregation provided continuity and has kept administrative costs low, allowing more funds to be spent for the purpose of the organization.

Funds and food come to Loaves and Fishes of Union County, Inc. from local individuals, local congregations, civic and church groups, businesses, independent drives and local schools.