Food pantry set to reopen its doors May 30

The Saukville Community Food Pantry will resume limited operations following relaxation of the state’s Safer at Home restrictions, pantry Executive Director Mark Gierach announced last week. 

“Cognizant of the continued need to be vigilant against Covid-19, but recognizing that things are opening up in Ozaukee County, the Saukville Community Food Pantry has decided to return to something a little closer to normal in our operations,” Gierach said.  

Starting Saturday, May 30, the pantry will be open Thursdays and Saturdays on alternating weeks, allowing patrons into the pantry to make their own grocery selections.

Hours are 5 to 8 p.m. Thursdays and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays.

During the shutdown, the pantry took phone orders from people and operated a drive-up collection service. The pantry is located in the basement of Parkside United Church of Christ in Saukville.

The pantry’s Tuesday afternoon Produce and Bakery pick-up service, begun during the shutdown, will continue from 2 to 4 p.m., Gierach said.

Gierach said the pantry will institute rules to observe social distancing and other safety measures.

Patrons who visit the pantry will be required to make appointments to visit, have their temperature taken, wear a mask and observe social distancing.

They also are asked to make arrangements for grocery delivery  and not come to the pantry if they are ill.

Volunteers also will wear masks, enforce social distancing and engage in frequent hand sanitizing, Gierach said.

An appointment sign-up link is available on the pantry’s website, saukvillefoodpantry.org. 

Patrons without internet access can also call the pantry at 689-8591 to make an appointment.

Patrons must be on time but not arrive earlier than 10 minutes before pick-up time. Only one person will be allowed inside the church to get groceries for each household.

The pantry’s free Community Meal Site will remain closed at least through August.