Capital Roots CEO sends message to public
TROY, N.Y. » Capital Roots CEO Amy Klein released the following statement detailing the company’s plan for serving the community during the coronavirus outbreak:
“The past week and a half, we’ve seen how challenging essential services have become for our neighbors. Grocery stores are near empty, yet still filled with crowds. The anxiety of leaving the home is at an all-time high, and so many of our partner businesses are feeling unsure about their futures. Here at Capital Roots, we are working around the clock to provide the services we have always provided while at the same time ensuring the safety of our constituents and our staff. I wanted to share with you what steps we are taking:
• “The Urban Grow Center remains open for produce sales. We have altered our processes to ensure the safety of our staff and neighbors, but the market remains open and stocked with fresh local food. We are here for you.
• “Inside the building we are taking every measure possible to ensure our staff and produce are safe. New sanitizing protocols, disinfecting stations, and a constant flow of good hygiene information are present across the organization, both for staff working within our building and staff working out in the community.
• “Our Mobile Markets will continue to be out in the community to provide services, but we are altering how we provide them to again maintain the safety of our staff and those utilizing the markets.
• “We have heard from many of our Healthy Stores partners that they remain open. We are working with them to ensure fresh food re
mains stocked on their shelves.
• “As of right now, we are formulating potential opportunities for our Produce Project students to remain engaged in their job readiness program, be it on the farm or from afar. Our students remain a key priority for us.
• “Our Community Gardens program is forging ahead though we are working with garden coordinators to reduce sizes of our spring work parties so that gardeners are able to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, but feel safe doing so. Our garden education classes, however, are canceled to avoid close contact between attendees.
• “Finally, we are encouraging everyone who is purchasing produce, be it through Capital Roots or by other means, to ensure you are washing your produce thoroughly before eating.
“There is a lot of uncertainty out there right now, but we are doing our very best to remain a constant for our neighbors and partners who rely on us for essential services and business. Please bear with us as we iron out new procedures that may need to change as the COVID-19 situation changes.
“And if it is within your means, please consider supporting our work at this challenging time. We want to ensure our doors can remain open for those in our community most at risk. And with your help, we know we can.”
For more information about Capital Roots, including to donate or to find resources for food assistance, visit www.capitalroots.org.