In a Pandemic, Food for People Provides the Hungry With Fresh Produce But Worries About a Second Spike in Need

Yesterday morning, like a traveling circus unpacking, volunteers bustled about spreading a white popup tent in the alley next to 307 West 14th Street in Eureka and stacking boxes for another Food for People Giveaway.

“This was a soft opening in the alley way behind our old building,” explained Carly Robbins, Food for People’s Development Director. “It doesn’t have parking space so we didn’t advertise it widely. We just put it out on our website.” She said that they are looking for a bigger place for future events.

When the economy shutdown so people could shelter-in-place, Food for People had to step up their services and pivot quickly from their old model to adapt to handing out supplies in a manner wouldn’t spread COVID-19 to people already financially damaged by the pandemic.

Over 12,000 unemployment claims were filed in March and April alone and, according to the United States Census Bureau, 20.8% of Humboldt County residents already lived in poverty.

A tidal wave of people needed help and the non-profit had to find ways to help. Gloves, masks, and prepackaged produce became the new model instead of free produce markets that allowed people to browse fresh fruits and vegetables for what they needed.

Robbins said that yesterday’s event was successful. “All told [traffic] was pretty constant,” she explained. “We maybe one pallet of boxes left at the end. Arcata House and another partner are going to pick up what they need…We saw 175 cars that served 653 individuals.”

Overall, Robbins said that the non-profit is being able to provide the necessary food for the people in the community. “There was a whole bunch of need right when shelter-in-place started,” she told us. But government support kicked in and helped provide the basics. “People got that stimulus check. People got unemployment checks. We are seeing a little less need in the community…Things are starting to calm down a bit. ”

However, Robbins said, “Everyone is afraid of what is going to happen if the unemployment benefits don’t stay at the same at the same level.” In addition, disease models indicate that the first wave of COVID-19 isn’t over. “We’re anticipating a second spike come fall,” she said. “A lot of the economy is going to take some time to catch back up.”

So, she explained that Food for People is trying to plan ahead. “Just being prepared for that extra need is important,” she told us. In addition, the organization is trying to recover from having to rebuild after a spill damaged their building in early March.

If anyone would like to give financial donations, from now through July 15, Craig Hansen Insurance Service will match all donations, doubling their impact. Click here to donate.

In addition, there are many opportunities for volunteers to help throughout the County also. Click here to fill out a form to find out where you might be a good fit.