COVID-19 Virus (Coronavirus) Announcement

• March 18, 2020
• EPFHFB

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EL PASOANS FIGHTING HUNGER FOOD BANK CONTINUES OPERATION TO ENSURE VULNERABLE CITIZENS GET THE FOOD AND ASSISTANCE THEY NEED

El Paso, TX — El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank is working during this incredibly challenging time to ensure that those who are most vulnerable in our communities be able to get the food they need. We are focusing our initial response on the seniors who have been negatively impacted by the closing of 12 city run senior centers and 8 county run senior centers. EPFH is distributing 600 boxes per week to these seniors. However, it is impossible for us to be able to do this difficult work without the support of our community members. We need to recruit 80 volunteers (40 per shift AM and PM) per day as quickly as possible. Volunteers need to be in good health and a minimum of 12 years old. EPFH has implemented a health and hygiene protocol to keep volunteers safe. Community members who are able to volunteer can contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Miranda Chapman, at 915-247-0257 or by email at volunteer@epfhfb.org

People who cannot volunteer are strongly encouraged to assist EPFH with monetary donations. $1 equates to 7 meals. Donations can be made at www.elpasoansfightinghunger.org/donate .

In addition, EPFH plans to begin distributing drive-through emergency box distribution at EPFHFB (9541 Plaza Circle) later this week and at Kelly Center for Hunger Relief (915 N Florence St) starting Monday, March 23, 2020. EPFH is in the process of identifying 3 other large distribution sites in the near future to ensure broad coverage across El Paso County.In the interim, if El Pasoans find themselves in need of food, they can come to 9541 Plaza Circle Drive for an emergency food box between 8 am and 5 pm.

EPFH is carefully monitoring developments regarding the community spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, EPFH is committed to serving communities and individuals facing hunger across El Paso, Culberson and Hudspeth Counties, wherever they are.

EPFH’s internal food bank crisis team is partnering with Feeding America, the network of 200 food banks, and local partners to ensure the safest handling of food and distributions to our communities. We are assessing new distribution activities to meet the evolving needs.

EPFH is built to support the community during uncertain times like these. Everyone is experiencing this for the first time. We’d like to thank our staff, volunteers, donors and community members for their understanding and continued support.

Additional information here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html