CCAP will suspend operations until further notice

The Front Royal-Warren County CCAP Board of Directors took a vote on March 24, 2020, on the status of CCAP food operations. The board approved a process for a temporary suspension of CCAP services due to the virus crisis. CCAP is faced with a decline in volunteer availability due to underlying health risks and others who have an increased level of discomfort about coming into work. They have exposure to clients, to a long food supply chain of boxes and cans and other potential hazards due to the intensity of this crisis work. The board decision is focused on the safety and health and stress levels of their volunteers and the concerns of their families.

CCAP will suspend operations effective Thursday, March 26. Offices will be closed on that date till further notice. The board will consider other options to keep food moving but will not take up the re-opening of CCAP until safety and health criteria are back to normal.

Other options are being discussed with county officials. CCAP is in the early stages of defining other options for the county to keep food moving to those who need help. As CCAP and other non-profit food operations begin to close, the hope is that they can create a central, safe location for “drive-by” food pickup for those eligible for CCAP or other food pantry services.

This would keep traffic down and limit trips for food pickups in the county. It would provide a safer environment for clients and volunteers. Keep in mind this is an idea in the early stages of being tested for feasibility and effectiveness. It will take time to develop such a big idea and will require the assistance of many people in the community. For now, they hope that an alternative can be found and that their food operations can start up again in the near future.

When CCAP does resume operations, they will need to rebuild their food inventories and plan for a very robust period of food distribution to their clients, including a new inventory of fresh foods.

CCAP appreciates the support they have received for the last 41 years. CCAP intends to get back in service as soon as they can and will still need your help to get through this year. When they do get back to work, they will need more volunteers. CCAP needs to start now to build the next generation of CCAP volunteers. If CCAP fails to get dedicated volunteers the risk of more closures will stay with us into the future. This is one risk that CCAP can solve and volunteers are needed to join to get ready for the future. Those who are interested in becoming a CCAP volunteer and enjoy the work of helping others need only to call CCAP  at 540-631-1382 or send an email to OURCCAP@gmail.com.

Remember, the CCAP team is working hard to get back in service as soon as possible and safe for all.