Resilience: A Ship to Weather the Storm

North County Food Bank: A Ship to Weather the Storm

By Kristi Hawthorne

The North County Food Bank has been feeding hungry people and families for years. It’s what they do and they do it well. They distribute food to senior programs, food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, students and school programs. When the COVID19 crisis hit and food demands grew overnight, their staff and volunteers didn’t panic. As the need grew, they simply rose to a whole new level of readiness. Jim Floros, CEO, said he has been so impressed by his staff and volunteers and their ability to overcome obstacles and adapt to the rising need. Their great reputation in the community and their preparedness has paid great dividends as they adapt to meet new challenges. Floros and the Food Bank’s vice presidents collectively have 47 years of non-profit experience, with 800 years of collective experience in the entire staff. The North County Food Bank is considered one of the top two non-profits in the State of California. He credits this to their like mindedness towards a common goal, feeding people. They seek to hire people who have the mindset to create and cultivate a culture of productivity and purpose, while providing people both food and dignity. Floros also credits the excellence in which their nonprofit is run. Poorly run organizations can eek out an existence in the best of times, but flaws are exposed in crisis. However, his staff pivoted quickly to meet the crisis head on. The Food Bank went from providing food to 350,000 people a month to 600,000 nearly overnight. Because their sites are essential and exempt from executive order, staff and some volunteers have been working 14 to 16 hours a day since the crisis began to help meet the demand. When the crisis first began, the impact was immediate and the public started to “freak out”, hoarding toilet paper, bottled water and clearing food off grocery shelves the team realized that one aspect of their purpose would be to convey poise and respect to all those in need. Jim Floros says “we are the buffer” from the chaos and anxiety. The Food Bank saw lines doubled, and in the midst of the crisis they sought to remove barriers to distribution. The team knew their level of preparedness and together said, “We got this”. They reached out to their network of 500 partners and sought to open supply chains. They developed a plan for four mass distribution sites in stadiums, fairgrounds, etc. at which people could drive through to receive food. They distributed 700,000 pounds of food in just two weeks and encountered 1,000 cars at a time, turning away another 2,000 to 3,000.

Adversity brings out the best and the worst in people, and the North County Food Bank is doing their best to be the best. When the storm of demand and panic set in, Floros knew they had built “a ship to weather the storm”. Their goal was to not only distribute food, but to serve clients with dignity. They brainstormed and went to their super partners with a grass roots approach to develop a plan to help them meet the 67 percent increase of demand for food items. From March through April they distributed 6 ½ million pounds of food…. In a typical year they would distribute $1 million worth of food. Because so many are out of work due to the shutdown, people are in greater need for food than ever before. In the first 8 weeks of the shutdown they have distributed $3 million and expected to reach $5 million by the end of May. The Food Bank distributes USDA products, donations of food and food they purchase wholesale, including “ugly produce.” They also implement a unique repacking program wherein they receive large totes of rice, beans and oatmeal, which they repack for distribution. The machine within their facility can repack 2,000 bags of food an hour. To meet the increased demand, they are looking into purchasing a new machine that would repackage 5,000 bags an hour. Floros said this isn’t a race, “This is a marathon,” and they are in it for the long haul. They have 70 employees and have added staff. They have over 20,000 registered volunteers – with 30,000 volunteer visits a year. The value of their volunteers equals $1.8 million in free labor which is essential to keep the organization operating smoothly and serving so many. They are also proud of the fact that 93 cents of every dollar goes back to the community. The gold standard for non-profits is 80 percent. Four years ago they opened a 30,000 square foot facility in Vista and tripled their amount of service. Their “client choice pantry” before Covid-19 saw 10

families a day. Food Bank staff has developed a popup drive through for people, which is a mellow, well organized and orderly operation, handling 200 to 300 cars a day. Floros said they want a “dignified and calm approach” to feeding people, not a desperate frenzy. The public response has been great with letters and emotional notes expressing thankfulness. Some, who have never had to ask for help, now find themselves in a position of great need. Others, who once had to ask for help, are sending in donations and paying it forward. Floros says the work is exhausting, exciting and exhilarating. One personal challenge for him is not being burned out and taking time off to regenerate. And while rest is necessary, he knows that many have stepped up in huge ways with great sacrifices of time because they have the same heart and goal… dedication to making the world a better place and leaving a legacy of giving. The North County Food Bank updates their website every week with over 100 distribution sites. If people need help they can visit sdfoodbank.org/gethelp or simply call 2-1-1. If you are able to help at this time The North County Food Bank will use your donation wisely. For every $1 donated, 5 meals are provided.

www.oceansidetherapygroup.com

“Where Families Come First”

Pediatric Speech/Language Therapy Pediatric Occupational Therapy Pediatric Physical Therapy

760.529.4975 760.529.4761 fax info@oceansidetherapygroup.com

3355 Mission Avenue, Ste. 123, Oceanside, CA 92058

Our partnership with other North County business organizations was a tremendous bright spot for us as well. We teamed up with 8-10 other organizations, mostly Chambers, to advocate for businesses at every level of government. Most importantly, advocating for more small businesses to be allowed to open under the County health guidelines. One of the partnerships that I am most proud of is the North County Cares program created in conjunction with the Vista Chamber of Commerce and San Diego North Economic Development Council. The purpose of the program is to support both families in need and the North County restaurants who have borne the brunt of the impacts of mandated closures and social distancing orders. Donations have been used to purchase gift cards at participating Oceanside and Vista chamber member restaurants. The gift cards are distributed to representatives at the Oceanside and Vista Unified School Districts who are using the cards to provide meals to families in need in our community. You can read more about this program in this edition of our Quarterly Journal. Additionally, I would like to recognize our elected officials at all levels of government for their leadership and accessibility during this crisis. Congressman Levin, Senator Bates, Assemblymember Boerner Horvath, Supervisor Desmond, Mayor Weiss and Councilmember Keim all participated in one or more of the Chamber’s Emerging Issues Forums to provide important updates to our businesses on the COVID-19 crisis. Our City leadership, including Council and Staff have been inspiring in their dedication to helping our business community weather the COVID-19 storm. Beginning with the quick formation of the Oceanside Economic Recovery Task Force, our leaders determined to remove any roadblocks that businesses might face in the recovery process. Michelle Geller, the City’s Economic Development manager has been a key leader in the City’s efforts to make sure Oceanside maintains a business friendly environment. Our Chamber staff has been grateful to have such a responsive point of contact at the City when our businesses are in need of answers. It has been an honor and privilege to see our community and our region come together so effectively to serve our businesses during this crisis. It gives me great hope for what we can accomplish together in better times.

VIRTUAL Networking Events

Virtual Networking Events are open to both Oceanside Chamber members and prospective members. We are offering these events free of charge, however, encourage attendees to enjoy local takeout. *Virtual events are subject to change according to health orders. Please visit OceansideChamber.com for up-to-date information and registration.

VIRTUAL FIRST TUESDAY COFFEE

Connect with like-minded businesses over coffee, tea or whatever your morning fix is on-the-go. Attendees will have the opportunity to share a 1-minute introduction and exclusive access to the participant list following the event. This event is currently powered by Zoom and is open to both members and prospective members.

Online Event via Zoom • 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM July 7, August 4, September 1

VIRTUAL BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Grab your favorite beer, wine or spirit from somewhere local and engage in a casual, virtual meet-up with other likeminded businesses in the area after work. This event is free and open to all businesses in the area. The only cost to you is your choice of beverage! Registrants will receive Zoom meeting details upon registration.

Online Event via Zoom • 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM July 14, September 8 VIRTUAL BUSINESS MIXER

Join us for an evening of virtual networking. Attendees will have the opportunity to safely socialize with others and have exclusive access to the registration list to connect following the event. You’re encouraged to support our local restaurants, wineries and breweries. We are pleased to offer this event free via Zoom, however, ask that attendees consider a donation to our select nonprofit of the month.

Online Event via Zoom • 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM August 27, October 22

Check upcoming dates at www.occmixer.com

Grows the economy, food, schools, families and more.

An approved farm community designed for Oceanside, North River Farms creates a new, sustainable farm and a local fresh food supply chain. It will create approximately 700 permanent jobs and contribute millions in funding for local schools, parks, public services and trac improvements. www.oceansidegrown.com

Ad paid for by Oceansiders for Jobs, Health, and Safety, a coalition of Farmers, Firefighters, Business Leaders & Affordable Housing Advocates, sponsored by The NRF Project Owner. Committee major funding from The NRF Project Owner.

Sew O’side: Home Sewn Heroes

By Kristi Hawthorne

Amanda Gerard’s adaptability and creativity are attributes that she has put to good use. As an avid sewer and designer, she founded a custom clothing boutique in 2018 featuring unique designs with colorful fabrics. Decades ago sewing was taught at school in classes called “Home Economics” and generations of students learned to sew by hand and machine. Those classes have gone the way of shorthand and typing classes (if anyone remembers shorthand and typewriters!) Amanda saw both a need and an opportunity to help others learn to sew. Sew O’side was Gerard’s inspiration to teach sewing through workshops, lessons, “sewing camps” and even sewing birthday parties. She opened a studio off Mission Avenue where children and adults are taught the fundamentals of sewing. Machines are provided and choices of fabrics and projects can be selected. Sewers of all abilities are encouraged to use their imagination. With the advent of COVID-19, Sew O’side was no