HACA Food Pantry Still Open
By Doug La Rocque
Executive Director Dianne Hosterman said that the HACA Food Pantry is still serving those who are in need in the community. The Pantry hours remain the same, Monday and Friday mornings from 10 am to noon and Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 8 pm.
Volunteers are taking extra precautions to help prevent the spread of the virus. “We are pre-packing the food in bags, and have changed how the public receives the food when they come,” Hosterman said. In the past, guests could walk in and shop the pantry to obtain needed items. We are now prepackaging the bags of food to cut back on the amount of times an item is handled, thus minimizing exposure and possible contamination risk. Using bags, we can keep our volunteers at proper paces from each other, proper distances, and we can ensure they are properly hand-washed and gloved. It allows for sanitation as well as distancing. Baby food and diapers are available.
Persons in need of food are asked to wait outside, social distancing, and the volunteers will get their information and bring the bags out to them. Residents needing special arrangements should call the Pantry at 518-686-5163 and leave their name and phone number. A designated person can also be asked to pick up their order. The senior home delivery program is still delivering to homebound residents on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, assisted by the Hoosick Falls Lions. There are openings for additional people.
HACA is an all-volunteer organization, which relies on community support and grants to operate. During this time monetary donations are a safer alternative to excessive shopping for and handling of groceries in stores. Food can be purchased from the Regional Food Bank and delivered to the Pantry in case lots. Donations can be mailed to HACA, Post Office Box #1, Hoosick Falls, NY, 12090.