Fallout from coronavirus
By Tricia Johnson
Correspondent
Fluvanna Food Bank Manager Bertha Armstrong expects more Fluvanna residents will need help feeding their families in the weeks to come, as the coronavirus outbreak continues.
Families that ordinarily rely on the free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch program at Fluvanna County schools may find themselves at a loss with those schools closed until at least March 27. Some people may be seeing smaller paychecks if the coronavirus outbreak impacts the businesses they work for.
The Monticello Area Community Action Agency (MACAA) and the Fluvanna Christian Service Society (FCSS) manage and support the Fluvanna Food Bank – and they have already taken steps to help. “We will be waiving the usual proof of income requirements,” said Armstrong. This means that anyone in need of food for their family can get help from the food bank, regardless of whether or not they normally meet income requirements for public assistance. “People needing food assistance just need to bring a photo ID that proves they are a Fluvanna resident,” Armstrong said. “We will be serving everyone we can, as best we can.”
E.W. Thomas Grocery Store is collaborating with MACAA to help the food bank meet the increasing needs of Fluvanna citizens. MACAA currently does not have the ability to accept monetary donations online or by telephone – a problem in a time when self-quarantine and social distancing are being urged by officials. Now, people who wish to donate to the food bank can do so without leaving their homes by calling their donation in to E. W. Thomas Grocery Store using their credit card. MACAA can then purchase food in bulk from the store using the donated credits.
Those in the store shopping can leave a cash or check donation with their cashier. People can still, of course, take food donations to the food bank in person; it is a good idea to call MACAA before you do so in order to learn what items they need most, and when they will be available to accept your donated items.
“We are happy to be in a position to facilitate donations to the Fluvanna Food Bank,” said Thomas. “It is always a privilege to work with Ms. Armstrong and MACAA,” she added. Thomas hopes that people will remember to pay it forward. “If we can help someone now, maybe soon they will be in a position to help someone else,” she said.
People who donate over the phone will be able to pick up their donation receipt whenever they are next in the store; those who donate in person will receive a donation receipt and photocopy of their donation.
What you need to know
To get food from the food pantry
Call 434-842-2521
Bring a photo ID as proof of Fluvanna residency to the Fluvanna Food Bank at 8878 James Madison Highway (the old Carysbrook High School.)
New hours: Monday – Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
To donate food directly to the food bank:
Call 434-842-2521 to find out which foods are most needed.
Take food donations to the Food Bank at MACAA at 8878 James Madison Highway (the old Carysbrook High School)
Hours are Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
To donate cash/check/credit card:
Donate cash or check at EW Thomas Grocery Store located at 13027 James Madison Highway in Palmyra or call EW Thomas Grocery Store between the hours of 10 a.m. and noon, Monday through Friday, and ask for Beth Thomas to donate using your credit card.
Please note: The MACAA Thrift Store located with the Food Bank will be closed until further notice.
