The United Way of Indiana County met with representatives of Indiana County school districts on Monday to discuss food distribution options as the county deals locally with the Coronavirus pandemic.
Below is the United Way’s full press release after the meeting.
“Community and county school district representatives met to strategize around food distribution options, capacity and obstacles for supporting the needs of the students within our county who are now out of school due to the State mandated closure. All seven school districts shared initial plans that are being developed based on location needs and resources available. While each district’s plans may differ, meal distribution will occur via drive thru pick up concept. Additional support includes community wide efforts offering staff and volunteers to assist with distribution, freezer blankets and facilities for food storage, and various transportation options. Every effort is being taken to ensure that the needs of the community’s children are met.
Organizations will update community members of the options available when plans are finalized. In the meantime, people can connect to a wide range of services from disaster relief to utility assistance, senior citizen programs, emergency food, youth programs and much more through PA 211, a statewide database, funded in part by the United Way of Indiana County, that is professionally staffed 24 hours a day for help with human services. PA 211 will connect anyone who calls with resources available to help them. Dial 211 or call 888-553-5778, text your zip code to 898-211, or visit PA211sw.org.
Agencies and community representatives are aware that this pandemic not only affects the students in their communities but also recognizes the impact on other vulnerable community members. As these representatives continue to address both the immediate and long-term needs caused by the pandemic, please keep in mind that many local organizations need volunteers. If you have the capacity to volunteer in your community please reach out to your local organizations and see how you can help. Anyone wishing to make a donation to support community needs as a result of COVID-19, can donate to the special United Way Emergency Fund. Donations can be made via the United Way of Indiana County website and Facebook page, designated for the Emergency Fund. Checks can also be mailed to United Way of Indiana County at 655 Church Street, Ste. 114, Indiana, PA 15701.
People coming together as a community can make things happen. We are better together and will get through this. #CommunityStrong”
