Food Finders
In The News

Emailed to FFFB Volunteer contacts on March 10, 2020
Dear Friend of Food Finders,
The international outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is continuing to create daily headlines. Risk to the general public in the US remains low. There is no current evidence to suggest COVID-19 is widely circulating in the U.S. However, the CDC is encouraging preparedness.
Food Finders continues to monitor the situation closely with information released by the Indiana State Health Department, the Tippecanoe County Health Department, Feeding America and the CDC.
Although we believe the risk is low and do not want to feed into the panic, our Leadership Team is discussing contingency plans in the event that we have to shut down our pantry, programs or volunteer activities for a period of time, while balancing the needs of our clients.
In the event that the situation worsens and it becomes necessary to take additional precautions, FFFB is prepared to close our on-site food pantry to the public to prevent staff and clients alike from becoming more exposed. In keeping with the spirit of our mission, we will plan to provide emergency food assistance to those in need through outside distributions in the client parking lot (located to the west of the FREC). Details of such a distribution will be determined on an as-needed basis.
Should the CDC indicate a pandemic level risk, we will implement these plans.
What is Coronavirus?
COVID-19, the illness caused by the new coronavirus, is an infectious respiratory illness. Symptoms appear similar to influenza but the two are caused by different viruses. While the evolving and unknown information related to the coronavirus is a reason for concern, it is important to note that as of Feb. 27, 2020, the flu is showing much more of an impact on Americans. Between 12,000-61,000 influenza deaths are reported in the US each year.
As this situation continues to unfold, it is important that staff and volunteers follow standard prevention practices to reduce the spread of contagious diseases, including influenza and COVID-19.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve – not in your hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home from work and activities if you are ill.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
As a precaution we ask that you do not:
- Enter the building if you aren’t feeling well, especially if you have a fever or cough.
- Enter the building if you or someone close to you have been to countries on the CDC watch list: wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices
You can find up-to-date information on COVID-19 here:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Tippecanoe County Health Department
- Indiana State Health Department
We appreciate your continued support of our mission to end hunger. Thank you for helping us take the proper precautions to protect the health of our community.
Sincerely,
Kier Crites
Chief Philanthropy Officer
Food Finders Food Bank