We are always mindful of the important role Gleaners plays in the community, and of the large number of volunteers who are in the building each day. Please know that we are monitoring news from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, and it’s potential spread throughout the United States. We are preparing appropriately for several possible scenarios, but we also remain calm and focused on our current responsibilities to clients and others – not overreacting, but taking prudent steps to prepare for possibilities.

We have been monitoring CDC and World Health Organization updates, Feeding America information, and yesterday, began collaboration with some of our Indy Hunger Network partners, Second Helpings and Midwest Food Bank. Our CEO, John Elliott, is attending a meeting this morning hosted by the mayor’s office and leadership from the Indianapolis Office of Health and Public Safety to coordinate planning with those groups. On Monday morning, all Indy Hunger Network partners and the Executive Director of the Indiana food bank association will meet to continue planning.

As of this morning, there are no cases of Coronavirus in Indiana. There are, however, new reports of person to person transmission within family/friend groups. Regardless, this is a good time to remind all of us to be extra-vigilant in making sure we avoid the spread of any illnesses at Gleaners or at our distribution sites.

Gleaners is a critical safety net for the community, and many that we serve are most vulnerable to the spread of this disease. We continue to develop contingency plans should an outbreak occur in Indiana, and will keep you updated as we move forward.