Food packing, “social distancing” style!

The experience of one of our SWH Leadership team members, Cynthia hair, and her family as they pack food during this unusual time

My family and I have been joining Servants With a Heart packing food while following social distancing protocols. We have loved making an impact during this pandemic by being able to pack food for distribution to people in our area in need. The first event we participated in was just with the leadership team and their families to see how we could pack and maintain social distance from those who were not in our family group. Jeff and Suzanne Yoh, the founders of Servants With a Heart, were packing with their children, too—but keeping a watchful eye on how to improve the process while following Covid19 guidelines. There were some minor changes after the first event, but all in all our leadership team felt like this was something that could be done with success.

Here is how we do it: Families or groups that have been isolating together sign up together. The exact number of people attending is crucial.  Each part of the process has a certain number of people needed to do the job. The first section of the packing process is called the food group, scooping the 4 ingredients into the bag. This can be done with 4 to 6 people; my family got to do this and we had a pretty good flow going even while we danced in our spots to the upbeat music played during the event! The second section is the weighing and sealing process. This can take 2 to 3 people. The third section is counting and boxing, which is usually for single individuals. There is a 6 foot separation between each section, and all participants sanitize hands and wear gloves and masks.

Since the first event, my family and I have been in different sections, depending on how many of us sign up and attend. I am planning to bring my 3 year old granddaughter to the one coming up—she can help me with weighing the bags by scooping a spoonful of rice into a bag or taking a spoonful out of a bag, depending on if the weight needs to increase or decrease after all the ingredients have been added at the food group section.

I am very thankful that there is a safe place to serve together with my family during this crazy time as we all navigate what our new normal will be.

Cynthia Hair