FOM is a small organization, but we have been able to adjust quickly in a time of crisis. We pride ourselves on being nimble and responding to the evolving needs of the community. The pandemic required out of the box thinking and flexibility. Like many other organizations we were forced to rethink and pivot some of our operations during these unusual times. We made several adjustments to our operations and work patterns. We are a largely volunteer run organization therefore the pandemic called for an increase in safety procedures and protocols.
At the initial onset of the pandemic and Governor Sununu’s stay at home order our public food pantries presented an interesting set of challenges. In March we realized that safely operating our in-person food pantries with volunteers would not be possible. We knew that access to food would be key during the pandemic. However, the health and safety of our staff, volunteers and shoppers is of utmost importance to us so every choice we make hinges on our ability to create a safe experience. Accordingly, we are not having shoppers enter our pantry building. We paired down our volunteer base for safety reasons and got creative with our community partnerships.
We worked with the Enfield and Grafton Police Departments and the Canaan Fire Department to distribute food to approximately 70 households and 155 Mascoma residents every week for 14 weeks. This plan required more behind the scenes planning and effort as well as in person support from officers and fire department staff. It presented a whole new set of logistics and challenges, but it was very successful. The commitment from our team in the past few months as well as the financial support we received from individuals is a testament to the spirit of the Mascoma Valley community.
As things began to reopen, we had to shift again and come up with a new approach without as much support from local law enforcement. In July we began distributing food curbside twice a week in Canaan and Enfield. This system also required more behind the scenes effort, but it allowed us to invite back limited volunteers, maintain social distancing and provide food and other household items to those who need it most. We continued with this set up into the fall months.
As the winter weather arrives we are prepared to shift again. This time the set up will be permanent and more sustainable for our organization by making changes to our building and distribution plan that will allow us to independently operate our Friends Feeding Friends food pantry in Canaan in an efficient and safe manner for all parties involved.
We are pleased to announce that beginning on December 1st FOM will be switching to a walk-up/takeaway system at our Canaan location. FOM enlisted MTD Building Contractors to construct two roof overhangs over existing windows. They also retrofitted the interior and exterior portions of those windows with counters to serve as check in/out takeaway stations for limited contact food pantry operations. Shoppers will check in at one window and pick up their items at the next window. This project was generously funded by the Hanover Consumer Cooperative Fund(www.coopfoodstore.com) and Upper Valley Strong (@www.uvstrong.org).
Please note, we will not be operating a pantry in Enfield for the next few weeks (possibly longer), but will offer two days in Canaan. The Lion’s Club runs their tree and wreath sale out of Huse Memorial Park for December. Since we do not currently have a COVID-19 appropriate space to use in Enfield we will run Canaan two days a week. We hope to return to Huse Memorial Park for distribution in the warmer months. Thank you for your understanding as we try out some new systems!
