F.I.S.H. to reopen center, food pantry for in-person visits
F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva will welcome in-person visitors to the Walk-In Center and Food Pantry beginning on May 24. Visitors will be required to wear a mask and follow safety measures.
Throughout the pandemic, F.I.S.H. has remained in operation offering services by working with the community through virtual communication methods and providing pre-packed bags of groceries for those using the food pantry. As many have now received the COVID vaccination, it has adjusted its operations to allow for in-person contact.
Starting May 24, individuals requesting assistance can now meet face-to-face with staff by requesting an appointment for an in-person meeting. Out of an abundance of caution, F.I.S.H. has installed plexiglass partitions in staff offices to accommodate in-person meetings. Meetings can be arranged for Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. by calling 239-472-4775. Additional times may be available on an as-needed basis.
Also as of May 24, participants of the food pantry program are welcome to shop, one person at a time, for needed items. Those using the pantry must wear a mask and bring their own bags, and shopping time will be limited to 10 minutes. While waiting to enter, F.I.S.H. requests the 6-foot social distancing guidelines be respected and no convening with other clients or volunteers while in or outside the building. F.I.S.H. has installed plexiglass partitions in the reception and food check out area as a safety measure. Volunteers, following the same guidelines, will be available to assist.
“Our intention is to best serve the island community in the safest way possible,” Assistant Executive Director Maria Espinoza said. “As an essential service provider, we have maintained all critical services since the beginning of the pandemic and are thrilled to be welcoming back our community members and volunteers.”
F.I.S.H., which relies heavily on volunteers to help provide services and programs, reduced volunteer service within the Walk-In Center to reduce exposure during the height of COVID. It will continue grocery delivery service to seniors and vulnerable individuals in need. Advance arrangements can be made by calling 239-472-4775.
“This has been a long journey and, while it’s not quite over, we feel we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel,” Espinoza said. “Our reopening to in-person visitors is just one small step toward a sense of normalcy that I think everyone is looking forward to.”
For more information, contact Espinoza at 239-472-4775 or visit www.fishofsancap.org.