After careful consideration and visiting many pantries around the region, we have chosen to implement several changes to better serve the rising demand and need in our community and combat the higher costs we are all facing right now. These changes alter the process for using our services and our food pantry in the following ways.
Beginning Monday, June 10th, clients will be asked to check-in at the front counter, not the pantry. We will ask all pantry clients to wait in the waiting room and keep the hallway clear.
Those using the pantry will be given a “shopping list” that will indicate which area(s) of the pantry they are accessing and will provide a detailed guide on which items and how many can be taken.
While clients will still be allowed to choose their own items, items will be limited based on nutritional guidelines and “points.” We have chosen to implement this model as it is seen as a best practice by most major food pantries and banks, and it is a more fair and equitable way to distribute food versus our bag system. One bag can hold very different quantities of food based on the size of the package or can. But one item with a large package can substantially reduce the amount of food our clients are able to take home. By implementing this new model, we can ensure that regardless of what items an individual may desire, they are still able to receive an adequate amount of food based on their household size.
This does not reduce anyone’s food quantity or choice. In our tests and demonstrations, this increases the amount of food for each household. This system does not currently affect bread, produce, or other perishable items. Clients may still access these items daily; however, we encourage clients to take as much they may use during the week to reduce trips.
In addition, as we move away from the bag limits, this will allow clients to utilize their own bag. While we will still make available plastic store bags, we encourage clients to bring in their own reusable shopping bags to take items home.
Our second major change is an adjustment to our open hours. Beginning Monday, June 10th, our hours will be as follows for both the food pantry and client services:
The pantry will be closed for roughly 30 minutes every hour and half to allow time for volunteer shift changes and pantry restocking.
We will no longer be open on Fridays except for TEFAP distribution days – thisincludes client services and case managers. We understand the loss of Fridays may be a hardship. However, we are resuming evening hours (Tuesday and Thursday) to help meet the needs of those who may be working while we are typically open and give new options.TEFAP will still take place on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Please note, this day is set by Wyoming Food Bank and is subject to change.) Other hours may be offered at times to be determined.
Find Distribution DaysAfter arriving at Interfaith, clients must check-in for services at the front desk. Those arriving while the pantry is closed in the morning or in the afternoon restocking times will be assigned a random number.
After checking in, you will receive a copy of the shopping list. This has your pantry number written on it; this number is your place in line for the pantry. Please do not erase this or you will need to check in again and start the process over. You will be asked to wait in the waiting room. The hallway lines have become a safety hazard, and we will not allow individuals to block the hallway and pantry door any longer.
When the individual at the front desk notifies you, you may proceed to the pantry. If you are picking up food from the pantry side (dry/canned goods, protein), immediately proceed to the counter to pick these items up first. After you have completed this side of the pantry, you may browse the bread, pastries, and produce.
Once you have picked up all your food for your visit, please exit via the north entrance – the brown door next to the pantry. Please do not backtrack out the front door as others are attempting to enter the pantry.
*This process is designed to allow individuals to pick food and shop for their households without the added pressure of “holding up” a line of people behind them. Everyone deserves the right to find food at their own pace. We ask that you respect this right of others as it is afforded to you. As such, this may slow down your visit. Please plan accordingly. In addition, we will begin more actively enforcing parking rules. Those who are not parked appropriately may be asked to leave, repark, and start their visit over. If you are asked to move your vehicle, you will lose your number or place in line.
Our parking lot has limited parking. These spaces run north and south. There is no parking allowed in front of the trash enclosure. Parking along the side of the building or along our neighbor’s fence is not allowed either. The street typically has many parking spaces available on the north side of the park. Please note: There is no parking along our front yard – there are signs noting where we marked out for loading and unloading.
We understand some individuals have mobility issues that prevent them from parking on the street. We apologize that we cannot offer more parking to the community to help alleviate this issue, but we must ask that you follow the same guidelines as everyone else. If no suitable parking is available, please try again in a few minutes.
