SPOKANE COVID RESPONSE: Regional Partners Coordinating Food Resources

This CDC illustration shows ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. Note the spikes that adorn the outer surface of the virus, which impart the look of a corona surrounding the virion, when viewed electron microscopically. | Alissa Eckert and Dan Higgins/CDC

By Press release submission

Apr 13, 2020

Spokane Covid Response issued the following announcement on April 11.

As part of the Inland COVID-19 Response Team, the Food Continuity Task Force is coordinating access to resources for Spokane County food needs and meal services for vulnerable populations.

My Spokane 311 and the Food Continuity Task Force are collaborating on the development and delivery of a “Food and Supply Needs” program. This program will be used to assess needs, and coordinate resources for Spokane County residents. The information collected will be used to connect community members with resources to help during this ongoing health emergency.

“In this time of a public health crisis, it is clear that food continuity for struggling families is a top public health issue in our region” stated State Representative Marcus Riccelli, Member, Food Continuity Task Force. “It is critical that we understand the individual and collective food needs in our community and connect people to vital resources so they can get by in this unprecedented time.”

Individuals and families can access this program through online or telephone connections. To minimize wait times, if individuals are able to access the form online they are encouraged to do so. Households with limited English proficiency are encouraged to call My Spokane 311. Staff have access to telephonic interpreter services.

How to Access Resources:

• Access resources through either online or telephone connections.

o Online visit:

https://myspokane311.force.com/citizen/request/MSFOODSUPN/details

o Telephone:

 Within City of Spokane boundaries, residents can call 311

Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

*interpreter services available

 For those outside City of Spokane boundaries, residents can call 509-755-2489 Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• After application is processed, the household will be contacted by a representative of the Food Continuity Task Force to connect to area food pantry or coordinate food delivery.

Community partners include:

• Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels

• Mid-City Concerns Meals on Wheels

• Spokane Public Schools

• ESD101

• 2nd Harvest

• Northwest Harvest

• United Way

• Frontier Behavioral Health-211

• State of Washington

• City of Spokane

• Spokane County