Vaccine Updates: Emergency Food Network Staff & Volunteers

Great news: The New York State Department of Health has declared workers, including volunteers, in the emergency food network eligible for vaccination!

"Public-facing grocery store workers, including [...] regional food banks, food pantries and permitted home-delivered meal programs" can now be vaccinated at any city- or state-run vaccination site.

The Guild of St. Margaret's Soup Kitchen in Middletown, NY has provided us with a very helpful template letter to prove eligibility, which you can find here. Workers and volunteers may still require additional proof of residency or employment, so check with your local health department or the New York State proof of eligibility requirements here.

This change was made in part by the City Harvest petition, and we're grateful if you took a moment to sign. You've made a difference!

If you're in New York City and are eligible, TurboVax is a great tool for finding a vaccine site near you. For those outside the city, you can find available appointments at state-run mass vaccination sites here or by contacting your local health department.

You can read more about this issue in this article by The City, which quotes Episcopal Charities partners Gregory Silverman of West Side Campaign Against Hunger and Stephen Grimaldi of New York Common Pantry.

UPDATE 3/11/21: Dr.B is a new resource that helps those looking to get vaccinated join a standby list to get connected with local providers with extra doses. If you qualify for a vaccine but are having difficulty finding an appointment, this might be a helpful resource.