THE SUDDEN IMPACT OF JOB LOSS surrounding COVID-19 has hit Galveston County hard, but the area’s last line of defense against hunger has rose to the occasion.
Galveston County Food Bank has seen a massive increase in customers since the pandemic led to massive social distancing, which has led to an indefinite closure of schools along with other establishments that were forced to furlough their employees.
“We’re slammed, but we are doing well,” said GCFB President and CEO Donnie VanAckeren. “We’re putting out a lot of food on a daily basis. The challenge has been tough, but we’re very blessed to have enough to dispense throughout the county.”
Since mid-March, the phones at each of the county’s six food banks have been continuously lit up. “There are a lot of new folks who have never had to call upon us, but circumstances have forced them to do so,” said VanAckeren, who is just into his fifth month in his new position. “There’s no doubt this virus has effected everyone across all points in the county. There’s not one particular area that’s hurting compared to another. This has been across the board.”
VanAckeren has been quick to credit his staff, which is now working six days a week in order to stay on pace with the demand in the area. Thus far, the CCFB has not lost an employee due to COVID-19.
GCFB will receive a further blessing in the form of a new 1,000-foot refrigeration unit that will come online later this week, allowing them even more space to store perishables.
With an uncertain forecast regarding when the state could see an apex similar to what has befallen New York, New Jersey and Washington, communication with the state’s 20 other food banks has been crucial. Daily conference calls are a way of life, as it has allowed the coordination of moving product where it is needed most.
VanAckeren said he would like to launch the summer kids’ program soon as it appears likely area students will not be returning to their respective classrooms until the start of the 2020-21 school year in August. However, several of the distribution points used by GCFB are closed, which will keep the starting point closer to its original early June date.
“We’re one of the businesses that are blessed to be able to continue working without interruption,” VanAckeren said. “We will continue to be there for those who need us.”
