The Second Harvest Food Bank of San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties has been doing its part during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Safety continues to be first and foremost, especially among staff, volunteers and even visitors – each are provided with sanitary gloves while handling the goods at the warehouses (hand sanitizers are available throughout the warehouses and folks are advised to continue with social distancing and staying home due to any sign of illnesses).

“We’re handling all food items in the safest manner possible,” said Jessica Vaughan, who is the Executive Assistant / Development Director at the local food bank.

The distribution of food during these unprecedented times has “been great," she added.

Second Harvest, however, is looking for more canned food donations, according to Vaughan.

Couple that with the need for volunteer support.

"We do have volunteers but we're always in need more to better serve the community," she said.

Second Harvest acquires and stores donated and purchased food, effectively organizing and delivering to the partner agencies – as in various food pantries and soup kitchens – and program sites while serving thousands throughout San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties.

In addition, the food bank is now partnering with a group, Vaughan said, to deliver food to those seniors susceptible to this respiratory illness.

Those looking to donate food items, do volunteer work, or in need of food assistance can call 209.239.2091 or log on to www.localfoodbank.org.