The Superstition Community Food Bank has announced that no-contact food distribution will continue indefinitely as its standard operating practice.

“The drive-through system we put in place a year ago has proved to be safe and efficient for our clients, our staff and our volunteers. It’s working to everyone’s benefit, so we plan to continue it even as COVID restrictions are being relaxed,” Executive Director Myra Garcia said in a release.

Pandemic-initiated cleaning and sanitation practices will also continue inside the warehouse facility at the food bank. 575 N. Idaho Road Suite No. 701 in Apache Junction,. These include a strict worker protocol of masking, temperature checks, hand washing and glove wearing. All work surfaces, furniture, doorknobs and shopping carts are routinely sanitized after each shift, she said.

Everyone entering the building will be expected to wear a mask and take a temperature check. The food bank also undergoes a professional deep clean, disinfectant and sanitation process every month, Ms. Garcia said.

“Our mission is to help feed the hungry and we will continue to do so with ultimate safety measures in place,” she said. “We’re committed to distributing healthy food within a healthy environment. Forty thousand people a year depend on us to help address their food insecurities, and thankfully we have the donors, staff, volunteers, and community support to make that happen.”

READ: Superstition Community Food Bank expansion underway

Since 1983 the Superstition Community Food Bank, previously known as Reach Out Food Bank, has served thousands of people in East Valley communities. There are about 14,500 qualified families who are helped, with each household member receiving 12 nutritious meals a month.

Go to superstitionfoodbank.org, call 480-983-2995 or email info@superstitionfoodbank.org.