The coronavirus is the only experience in mankind that has consciously united the world all at once. It has paralyzed nations and there is a collective panic from wall street to main street. Food has become a scarcity even in the nicest American communities especially for seniors who depend on the senior centers, congregate meal sites and home and community- based care providers. At the grocery stores, the shelves are near empty, frozen food is almost gone and what is left may be more expensive than usual. Many businesses are closed, workers without jobs, paychecks are not coming and food banks can’t fully operate because people are not donating as freely as before for fear of scarcity. Between the stay at home orders impacting the public and food bank volunteers finding it necessary to support the public initiatives to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the less privileged, the homeless, the aged, the blind and the disabled are needing to choose between safety and food.

Today, Comfort Makers and FinishLine Graphics with Columbia Pacific Food Bank announced the opening of a drive-thru food donation stand located at 474 Milton Way in St. Helens. It is the first type of service to truly allow each member of the community to safely give and donate to support the efforts of the food bank in helping to feed those in need at this difficult time.

The problem that many people face is that they are consumed with fear and doubt and overwhelmed with the impact that COVID-19 has on different aspects of our lives. When we are afraid and operate in doubt it impacts our ability to help. With the drive-thru and drive up food donation stand, we can maintain social distancing and safely help to provide food and nutritional items to those in need.