Dear friends,
For us all to watch and be impacted on so many levels by what is happening locally, nationally and globally right now in regards to COVID-19, this is nothing short of paralyzing. However, we want to assure you that while we work to navigate through this crisis here at the South Kitsap Helpline, the safety and wellness of our clients, volunteers and staff is paramount in our mission of providing nutritious food to our neighbors in need. Our non-profit agency has served our community for more than 40 years and we have no plans to stop doing that any time soon! Our doors remain open.
As this situation has unfolded, we have quickly implemented many new practices and have adjusted our service model in our food bank to ensure even more cleanliness here to discourage the spreading of germs. We are encouraging all who are on-site to follow recommended guidelines for social distancing and are enforcing that as needed. We have temporarily suspended our self-serve food bank and all of our grocery carts are now pre-packed by our staff. Clients are encouraged to tell us if they have food allergies and if there are any non-food items that they are in need of for their households. We plan to go back to our clients choosing their food from the shelves once we receive word that it is safe again for them to do so. We are determined here to keep serving those in need in our community and will do whatever is required of us to be able to continue to do so.
The links below will connect you to the Kitsap County Health District’s page strictly dedicated to updating you on the most current information happening here in our county regarding the virus. The second link is where you can sign up to receive daily texts or emails notifying you with any health district updates involving positive and negative tests for our county. The last one is helpful information from the Employment Security Department specific to COVID-19. If you are on Facebook, please follow our page to see the most current information regarding our agency and any changes or updates here that you should be aware of.
If you are a South Kitsap resident in need of food, please visit us. If you are unable to visit, please call us for assistance. Our food bank remains open from 12-5 Mondays through Fridays at 1012 Mitchell Avenue in Port Orchard. We are here to serve you.
We will all get through this together.
Stay safe and be well,
The Board, Staff and Volunteers of the South Kitsap Helpline
Additional resources