GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – Paul’s Pantry is seeing regular, steady numbers of people coming through their doors – at least for now.
While the COVID-19 pandemic and related layoffs haven’t spiked numbers at Paul’s Pantry yet – they are preparing to serve more people as the Safer At Home order and other closures continue.
“We are going to have an increased need. We’re getting lots of phone calls from people who have been laid off or are expecting to be. People are inquiring about – ‘well what do I need to bring in to qualify? What do I need to register?” says Executive Director Craig Robbins, “At some point, people are going to start running out of food if they did stock up. So I think we’re going to see busier times ahead.”
The pantry has already made a number of changes to how their shopping system works for those who stop in.
“We’re only allowing five people into the waiting room at a time, keeping them six feet apart. They get registered, we have a volunteer sanitizing the cart for them, they’re offered gloves, then they’re able to shop,” Robbins tells WTAQ News, “We’ve expanded our hours to lessen the number of people being in the building at once. We’re putting people through as quickly as we can, but as safely as we can.”
But there are also the people who are either unable or unwilling to visit the facility in person. Paul’s Pantry is working on a potential delivery option, which could be available within the next week or so. But there is also an order-ahead, drive-up option for those who are already registered.
“We have pre-packaged bags made up for those who are maybe in that high-risk group or are just plain fearful of even getting out of their car,” Robbins says.
For more information about how to register, volunteer, or donate – head to the Paul’s Pantry website.
