By Beth David, Editor
The Shepherd’s Pantry in Acushnet has seen a significant drop in the number of people using the pantry on Saturdahy mornings.
Director Gary Payette said he believes it is because people are afraid of coming into close contact with other people as they try to adhere to the guidelines of social distancing that have been imposed due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
“I’d like to dispel any fears that the way we are handing out the food is safe,” wrote Mr. Payette in an email.
The pantry usually serves about 100 individuals and families. The last couple of weeks have seen that number drop to less than half.
There has been a problem with volunteers, he said, as the churches usually direct people to help. Churches are prohibited from having in-person services in the state. But they have managed to stay open with a smaller group.
Because of the volunteer issue, Mr. Payette advised patrons to call the pantry on Friday to be sure that someone will be there on Saturday at the regular time.
The pantry will institute protocols to keep people from getting too close, he said. Someone will be in the parking lot limiting the number of people who go into the building at any one time.
“We’re making adjustments as we go, like you and everyone else,” said Mr. Payette.
He said they had expected a big increase in the number of people in the last two weeks because of the number of people out of work, so they were surprised when the numbers actually dropped.
The Shepherd’s Pantry distributes food on Saturdays, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Long Plain United Methodist Church, 1215 Main Street, Acushnet. Call 508-763-9289, or visit http://www.shepherdspantry.org for more information.
To donate money to the pantry, use the mailing address: PO Box 760, Fairhaven, MA 02719. Do donate food, find the bin at Stop & Shop in Fairhaven. Other bins are located at venues that are closed due to COVID-19.
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