23 Apr COVID Update from FCS

Please also read the updated FCS Action Plan here

This past week has brought conflicting messages about a move towards reopening the state and the country, and with that, comes the desire to see things back to normal. It is understandable to want everyone to recover their livelihoods and we are all seeking stability and familiarity.

It’s important to remember how contagious the virus is and given that symptoms may not appear for 14 days, or not at all for some, anyone can be spreading it without realizing it. As challenging as it is, physical distancing slows the spread and will allow us to move toward a safe reopening and a sense of normalcy, which we all seek.

FCS is still committed to serving our communities.

In the meantime, FCS continues to evolve and adapt as new information becomes available and as the needs change, and we remain committed to the communities we serve. As an agency, we have learned so much. I am awestruck daily at the hard work, creativity, positivity and their out-of-the box thinking of FCS staff and their passion they exhibit in meeting the needs of our community.

Here are just a few ways that we’re helping our community:

• Our Food distribution continues Mondays and Wednesdays from 11am-1pm. We have been averaging about 80-90 households each week in the pantry.
• Staff are wearing gloves and masks during the food distribution.
• Some of our staff and volunteers have made face masks that are being distributed to our pantry patrons at each food distribution.
• We continue to receive many calls and emails daily from people inquiring about resources, wondering how they can help, or needing access to services.
• We have helped with fuel, gasoline for cars, grocery store gift cards, referrals to other services and information about financial resources including SNAP, unemployment, CMP disconnect, etc.
• FCS partnered with the RSU5 to get all their school sites certified through the Free Summer Lunch Program, per the Department of Education Requirements. This means that all meals distributed are fully reimbursable and allows the RSU5 nutrition staff to continue to provide children with nutritious meals. During this school vacation week, children were provided with 5 days’ worth of meals Friday and Wednesday to get the families through the week.
• Communication:
  • FCS is posting regularly on our Facebook page, sharing photos and updates and since March 15, we have posted over 50 updates.
  • FCS continues to have slides on the public channel with updated information.
  • We receive up to 20 phone calls daily for information and referrals and strive to return calls within 24 hours.
  • Daily, we are receiving up to 40 or more e-mail inquiries, requests, or offers for donations and we are striving to respond as quickly as we can.
• FCS is working closely with the town of Freeport, Freeport Friends, and the Rotary to stay connected to identify who is doing what to help the community to ensure viability of resources and limit duplication. This has been a wonderful collaboration and it allows each resource to do what they do best, making sure folks within our community are having their needs met.

We are grateful to everyone who has reached out in support of FCS and our neighbors in need!

We are truly in this together and our neighbors in need, need us more than ever so thank you for your support.

Check for information and updates on our website and Facebook page.

Thank you for all you do and please stay safe and healthy!

PS: Today, April 22nd, 2020, marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, the annual celebration of the environmental movement. Earth Day is an annual global event, that celebrates the environmental movement and raises awareness about pollution and ways to maintain a clean habitat. For more information go to www.earthday.com and check out 10 things you can do right now to protect our planet.