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Council members discuss Storehouse food bank demand and possible senior-focused program expansion
Summary
Council members and staff reported rising demand at the Storehouse Food Bank (noting the food bank now serves about 12% of Covington, up from 9%) and discussed a possible new senior-focused distribution day, transportation partnerships and modest staff time or marketing costs required to implement the change.
Council member Debbie Hartsaw briefed the council on efforts with the Storehouse Food Bank and described a growing need among seniors. Hartsaw said the food bank is now feeding about 12% of Covington residents, an increase from roughly 9%. "We are now feeding 12% of Covington where it was 9%," Hartsaw said, and she described long wait times and the idea of creating a separate distribution day for seniors to reduce waits and provide a community space.
Hartsaw outlined preliminary resource needs: approximately three hours of staff time per week, volunteer recruitment and training, and modest marketing to reach seniors. She also noted requests for non-food items (adult diapers, Boost) that are costly and rarely donated, and said partnerships (including a possible transportation bus from Vineyard Park) could help reduce access barriers.
Council members discussed potential funding pathways, volunteer recruitment, and the possibility of modest budget requests in the future. Regan and staff offered to coordinate follow-up and explore potential community partner connections identified by the Chamber and other local organizations.
No formal vote or budget appropriation occurred; councilmembers emphasized continued coordination and directed staff to refine cost estimates and partnership options for future consideration.
