I am on the board of the Centre Street Food Pantry, which serves Newton, Waltham, Watertown and five other communities. Each time we are open, we see between 70-90 shoppers (our clients) and distribute about 100 pounds of food. We rely on two part-time staff and over 60 volunteers to unload the 5,000 pounds of food that is delivered from the Greater Boston Food Bank, stock our shelves, assist shoppers in the pantry, and carry bags to their cars.

When coronavirus struck, our operation needed to change immediately, yet still be able to meet the needs of our clients. Our pantry manager, Rose Saia, quickly developed a new system that keeps shoppers and volunteers safe.

In the past, we routinely had at least 20 volunteers in the pantry at one time, now we limit the number of volunteers to 2-4 people. We now pack bags in advance to stagger the number of volunteers. My husband and our two adult children did a shift over the weekend, packing non-perishables in the empty pantry. Our hallway, where shoppers used to wait, is now lined with paper bags marked to indicate what they contain. Before the pantry opens for shoppers, 2-3 volunteers pack bags of produce and refrigerated and frozen proteins. Once shoppers arrive, 2-4 other volunteers bringing the bags to them.

I always felt that “it takes a village” to keep the operations of the pantry going and I was always humbled by the number of volunteers who showed up each week. Now I see that our village is still there, helping remotely, through donations and encouragement. Our board and a small group of volunteers are relying on each other and finding creative ways to keep everyone safe and continue to provide food to those who need it.

Please consider joining the Centre Street Food Pantry’s team for the Ride for Food on Sunday, October 4. New riders are invited to participate. Contact Risa Shames to join the team.