The High Plains Food Bank is the latest local businesses to close to the public over Coronavirus and COVID-19 concerns. It is important to note that they are closed to the public, they are not shutting down operations. HPFB joins a growing list of businesses and organizations around the Texas panhandle that are limiting public entry in an effort to prevent the spread of the virus and protect their employees. While they are not open to public visitors, the HPFB is still very much open for business and working to alleviate hunger across the panhandle.

The Food Bank has seen an increase of walk-in traffic and phone calls from people seeking to purchase food or hygiene items they cannot find in stores. However, they would like to remind everyone, that it is against tax code for them to sell their inventory. The food bank cannot directly distribute or sell food or product to individuals. High Plains Food Bank is the clearinghouse and distribution center for about 185 feeding partners, all of which are non-profit (501C3) organizations including emergency food pantries, shelters, recovery centers, & other non-profits. Except for a few highly targeted direct feeding programs, including Kids Cafe, CSFP senior food boxes, direct mobile distribution, and Mobile Harvest, they are not able to distribute food to the general population.

Financial Gifts Urgently Needed

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic continues to impact those struggling with hunger. The HPFB is gathering every possible resource to provide food and supplies to all who need it, but they're facing a sharp increase in demand. HPFB’s initial COVID-19 community response goal is $500,000. They are asking that anyone who can donate, to please do so online at hpfb.org/donate. You can also donate over the phone by calling (806) 374-8562.

HPFB Operational Updates

  • Barrel Requests/Food Drives: barrel delivery service is postponed until further notice. If companies/organizations would like food drive barrels, they may fill out a barrel request form for pickup or call the food bank to schedule pick up.
  • Kids Cafe: Adjusted COVID-19 service begins today, offering meals at 3:15PM at 10 sites.
  • For Senior Food Boxes (CSFP): In Amarillo, pick up and/or enroll using drive-through service at the HPFB southeast warehouse at an upcoming distribution. No change to rural distribution schedule and sites.
    • Thursday, March 26, 8AM-4PM
    • Friday, March 27, 8AM-4PM
    • Thursdays April 2, 9, 16 and 23, from 9AM-4PM
  • For SNAP Application Assistance: Phone interviews are being done on a first-come, first-served basis. Call Gracie at (806) 674-1915 or Nellie at (806) 350-1438 to schedule.
  • Mobile Harvest: Community produce distributions have been suspended until further notice.
  • Volunteers & Community Service: postponed until further notice

While the facility may be closed to the public, you can still make much needed food and product donations. Individuals may leave product donations in the cart located in the HPFB foyer Mon-Fri from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For retail and other large/bulk donations, please call (806) 374-8562, and they’ll direct you to the proper unloading dock.

 

 

More From 101.9 The Bull