As a result of the guidance provided by state and federal governments, many of MICA’s programs moved to a virtual service delivery model during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continuing to provide the services of MICA’s three emergency food pantries presented a unique challenge. In response, MICA’s family development center personnel instituted protocols to ensure families had access to needed services.
Providing food packages to those families either dealing with coronavirus or at high risk of infection was a high priority. MICA staff members, like other Iowa community action agencies, quickly implemented a home food delivery plan that bore immediate and positive results.
One recipient, Willa Klampe-Carillo, was grateful for this home food delivery service and, in particular, for the assistance of MICA Story County Family Development Worker Keliena Caldwell. In a thank-you note, she said:
MICA has truly been a blessing in the lives of my family.
The delivery of food to my home came at a time when I was starting to panic and worry on how I was going to feed my grandchildren (3 years up to 14 years) and myself.
Before the COVID 19 pandemic shut everything down, I depended on MICA for food. MICA has delivered the much needed and appreciated food.
Our family decided to have the grandchildren stay with me in my home. Their parents all work and with school closed, we felt it was safest for all of us. I am in the high-risk category as well as the children for contracting the COVID 19 virus. This was the safest solution for us all to social distance and quarantine at grandma's house.
There are no words to express my deepest appreciation and heartfelt thanks to MICA/Keliena for the food deliveries to my home. Bringing food and household supplies for us is an assurance that my family has enough food to eat and I don't have to worry.
Because of the pandemic and social distancing requirements MICA personnel (Keliena) is an asset to my family.
May God bless them all.
-Willa
Many other Story County families like Ms. Klampe-Carillo’s — both living in poverty and affected by the COVID-19 pandemic — benefited from the initiative shown by MICA staff members and volunteers in making this home food delivery service a success during the COVID-19 emergency.