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Anne Flanagan Bassi, Moraine Township Supervisor gave the club an update on their response to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even with the lack of volunteers, they have been able to continue helping families. Right now, two employees are managing the critical services - case workers and the food pantry. Although the need for food is always there, the food pantry is not open due to its small space and the amount of traffic it would pull at this time. They are open for four hours on Tuesdays to hand out the staples like rice, pasta and beans, ground beef, onions, potatoes and carrots, bread donated by a local bakery, and gift cards to Jewel or Sunset gift cards to fill the dietary void. They are delivering food for seniors and those who are sick but that has been reduced from three days a week to one. Anne has been in contact with several food distributors like Sysco as well as Jewel and Sunset Foods . The Township receives a discount for the gift cards they purchase from the grocers. Anne's main concern is the hitch in the supply chain for the much needed staples. Frank Lomoro confirmed that pantry staples such as rice and beans are hard to come by at this time. Anne said the Township is also helping those in need of rent assistance, enrolling for Medicaid and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). To be able to register for Medicaid ans SNAP, a recipient needs to prove residency. Dialysis patients in need of a ride are still able to get a ride, but now the caregivers are not able to join them due to social distancing. To help get the word out about the Township's services, they provide information in the Highlander every month and network with all of Highwood's organizations, other social services, as well as the school districts. Information about their services have been translated into Spanish. Anyone who asks for services gets them. Anne expressed her gratitude for the continued assistance our Club has provided them. |
