Even though they’ve changed some procedures in their operation for COVID-19, the manager at Peter’s Pantry in Manitowoc says “things are moving very smoothly.” We spoke with Woody Shulander, who says the pantry is now limiting the number of people in the facility to ‘9’ at one time, while others wait to be called and stay in-the lower level-dock area.
Shulander said they observe social distancing by placing shopping carts between guests and all pantry volunteers are required to wear gloves, but face-masks are currently an option. As a precaution, guests..are asked to clean their hands with clorox wipes and sanitize shopping cart handles. Shulander says they ‘do’ spray down the carts before their guests arrive and volunteers actually handle the food products, placing them in those carts at the direction of guests.
With virus restrictions in place, the pantry manager said they are trying to get people in and out of there as quickly as possible, “this is not a social time. We don’t want small talk.”
Shulander explains they distribute food to about 120 families on a weekly basis and those guests are given between 2-and-3-thousand pounds of food per day. The pantry uses vendors from Manitowoc and Sheboygan, as well as Appleton & Milwaukee.
He said those in need are “very appreciative of receiving food”, even though they’ve changed procedures at the pantry. Shulander added, “I’m very proud of them.”
People can visit every Monday afternoon from 4-until-6, & Tuesday, Thursday & Friday mornings between 9:30 and 11:30.
To make a monetary donation, visit peterspantry.org where volunteer forms are also available. You can also reach them by phone at 682-6989, or by mail at 843 S. 21st Street.
