Disaster Response
Anticipate, Respond, Plan & Implement
In addition to daily operations, Lowcountry Food Bank, in partnership with more than 200 Feeding America partner food banks throughout the country, provides help and support prior to and following natural disasters. When disaster hits, the food bank collects and delivers food, water and supplies to impacted areas, providing significant relief and recovery aid for as long as needed. The Lowcountry Food Bank works diligently behind the scenes with dozens of regional and national disaster relief organizations and community partners to help our neighbors get through the storm. We are considered an emergency response agency and coordinate with the South Carolina Emergency Management Division to ensure we can distribute food to members of our community who may be stranded without access to food.
Resources
Helpful Resources
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As infant formula shortages continue within our communities, we want to give some helpful resources to consider:
Locate your nearest Community Action Agency (CAA) Your neighborhood CAA may be able to provide you with formula or connect you with local agencies that have formula in stock.Find more guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics
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- The United Way has provided this excellent list of dos and don’ts for volunteering during the COVID-19 outbreak: Safety Guidelines for Volunteers. The United Way 211 Helpline is open 24/7 to refer people to health and human services resources. You can use this service by dialing 211 on your phone to speak with an agent, or by visiting sc211.org.
Staff & Volunteers
The health and safety of partners, staff and the community is our #1 priority. As we serve our clients, we are:
- Following the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommended sterilization procedures and have increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting, especially around high-traffic areas (the warehouse, volunteer areas, meeting rooms, bathrooms and food areas).
- Practicing social distancing with our volunteers and are asking them to stay six feet away from other volunteers.
- Requiring all staff and volunteers to wash hands before their shift, during breaks, when they switch projects and after their shift. Gloves are also available when packing and sorting food.
- Asking volunteers to enter the building through a designated entrance to reduce congregation in the lobby. A staff member is signing in each volunteer.
- Establishing food safety rules while working in the Zucker Family Production Kitchen requiring the use of gloves at all times and strict handwashing rules. No staff or volunteers are permitted to work in the kitchen when experiencing illness symptoms.
Lowcountry Food Bank has strict standards for routine food handling protocols to ensure food safety. We have regular food safety inspections from national, independent entities (like USDA, AIB, and Feeding America) and work to maintain the highest level of cleanliness and sanitation for the safety of the food we provide to our partner agencies, as well as those who enter our facilities to support our work.
For more information about COVID-19, visit CDC for guidelines and updates: cdc.gov/COVID19
