COVID-19 continues to pose many challenges to our community, especially for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families with low household incomes. Our Pop-Up Community Food Pantries will supply at-risk community members with much-needed food staples, household goods, and personal protective equipment. Many of these individuals might not have access to transportation, have the funds to purchase these items due to financial impact from the virus, or are simply self-isolating to lower their risk of infection and infecting others.
Volunteers will assist JFS staff in staging the food delivered, packing the bags, and, if willing, distributing them. Volunteers must be able to lift 10+ lbs and be on their feet for upwards of 4 hours. Comfortable clothing is encouraged and closed-toed shoes are required.
Pantries will take place at JFS' Main Campus (1300 Jackson Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202). The exact times of the pantries are dependent on the delivery schedule and will be confirmed with volunteers closer to the date.
In order to provide a safe environment for volunteers, staff, and clients we welcome volunteers who:
- Have not experienced any symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath) or tested positive in the past four weeks.
- Have not encountered anyone who tested positive for COVID-19 in the past two weeks.
Volunteers are required to wear a face mask at all times while on JFS property. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own face masks, but if they do not have one, one will be provided for them. We will also have gloves and hand sanitizer available. All JFS staff members will be wearing face masks. We invite a maximum of 8 volunteers to participate in each pantry so we may provide social distancing. Our facilities are cleaned and disinfected daily.
If assisting with deliveries, there may be interaction with clients. Clients are encouraged to wear face masks and maintain social distancing. Volunteers will be given the option to participate in client interactions or not upon confirmation of their sign up.
These pantries were made possible thanks to a grant from the Fund of Jewish Milwaukee at the Milwaukee Jewish Federation.
