Fresno approves food program for seniors amid coronavirus. Here’s where to call
Fresno’s senior citizens having trouble making ends meet can soon get an assist through a new food program following City Council’s approval on Thursday.
The food box program is funded from $500,000 in CARES Act federal relief money meant to help people struggling during the coronavirus pandemic.
The pilot program offers about 1,500 food boxes a week for delivery or pick-up, as well as programs that offer COVID-19 protective equipment, according to officials.
Details are still to be worked out, but the program could be up and running as early as next week, according to Councilmember Esmeralda Soria.
The program was co-sponsored by Councilmembers Paul Caprioglio, Luis Chavez and Mike Karbassi.
The program is done in conjunction with Pardini’s Catering. While feeding needy seniors, the program could help employ 50 to 75 people, according to Karbassi.
To get a delivery or find the location for pickup in Fresno, call 559-621-7237 or go to fresnocovidhelp.com/safr.
Retrofitting City Hall
The City Council also extended a contract with Fresno-based Puma Construction to continue adding new safety measures at City Hall and other public buildings. The contract is worth about $3.5 million.
The council chambers have already been fitted with clear plastic partitions — not unlike the plastic surrounding a hockey rink — that separate each member of the council.
The new contract covers work for bathrooms and water fountains at City Hall, police buildings, parks and a slew of other public spaces, according to records.
Telework
Another $2.5 million in CARES dollars is set to upgrade the city’s ability to allow public employees to work from home.
This story has been updated with new contact information for senior food boxes.
This story was originally published August 28, 2020 at 12:18 PM.
