Laramie Interfaith has changed their system to provide food to those who need it with contact free pick up by way of drive up and delivery services.
“It’s the best system for the time being,” said Abby Melbye who has been the case manager at Laramie Interfaith since January.
Every Monday and Wednesday the Laramie Interfaith food pantry delivers bags of canned goods to cars. The new system ensures that volunteers and participants maintain a distance of 6 feet apart. Melbye said that in addition to social distancing this new system has also helped people with mobility difficulties.
“They don’t mind the new system,” said Simon Talcott who has been volunteering for two weeks at Laramie Interfaith. “The people like that they don’t have to wear their masks since we’re only putting bags in their cars.”
Talcott said that the bags given out on Monday and Wednesday are primarily canned goods. The amount of food is based on the income and people within a household
Laramie Interfaith also provides help with access to shelter and utilities.
“We recently got a grant from the city to help those whose water is getting shut off,” Melbye said. “Anyone who needs help or is struggling is welcome.”
Jose Romero has gotten help from Laramie Interfaith intermittently and sought help again after having his water shut off.
“My medication is too expensive to afford utilities,” Romero said.
He said he had not heard of the new drive-up system in place, but he also did not know if he could use it because he did not have a car to use during the drive up days.
“We have people come during the drive-up days on their bikes,” Talcott said. “We try to make the bags lighter so it isn’t as difficult to carry them home.”
Melbye said Laramie Interfaith also has a delivery service for those who do not have transportation. Every Friday the organization delivers groceries. She said there are currently 65 people on the delivery list.
Tuesdays and Thursdays are the days reserved for anyone to get fresh produce and other perishable foods like baked goods. During these days masks are required so that participants can ask volunteers for specific items that are available.
Melbye said Laramie Interfaith will be hosting a commodities day on October 29th. She said produce, meat, and canned goods will be available on that day, but the commodities vary. The Downtown Clinic will also be set up across the street from Laramie Interfaith where they will provide free flu shots.
