provided to Santiva Chronicle
FISH OF SANCAP, the islands’ wraparound social service agency and food pantry, is undergoing a two-phase remodel of their facility located at 2430-B Periwinkle Way. The remodel, funded through designated private donations, was slated to begin last year but the timeline interfered with the busy holiday season. With limited access to the building during the health crisis, renovations are moving along. The first phase, now complete, included a reconfiguration and enlargement of the food pantry within the current footprint to allow more efficient use of space for clients, volunteers, and staff.
Phase two of the construction, also within the existing footprint, will focus on the administrative space to process client needs, as well as the food storage and food backpack staging areas. Changes to this part of the Walk-In Center will accommodate the newly expanded food pantry as well as provide more space for staff as the agency continues to grow.
“Our goal with the remodel is to use the space we have in a way the best suits our growing needs. This next phase will require us to close the building two days per week, for the next three to four weeks in order to accommodate construction,” said Maggi Feiner, President and CEO of FISH.
“Beginning Thursday, April 23rd and Friday April 24th we will be closed, however we will reopen with special hours Saturday and Sunday, the 25th and 26th so that we’re still offering food for those in need five days a week. Hours will remain the same, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.,” Feiner added.
For the next month, FISH recommends community members and clients call ahead to verify hours or schedule shifts due to the construction. FISH is actively reaching out by phone, email, and fliers in food packages to clients in advance so they can plan around these changes.
Additionally, FISH continues to implement COVID safety measures to maintain a safe environment, including an increase in commercial cleaning staff, disinfecting, multiple hand washing stations, gloves, and masks provided to all staff or volunteers in the building.
Anyone with questions about FISH hours, services, or in need of assistance, contact Alicia Tighe, Executive Director, at 239-472-0404 or by email, alicia@fishofsancap.org.
About FISH: For over 38 years, FISH has been the social service organization on Sanibel and Captiva. Started in island residents’ kitchens and out of their cars, FISH continues to grow to meet the demands of our community thanks to the generosity of our donors and volunteers. We are proud to say that 93 percent of every dollar donated goes directly to our programs and services. FISH has something for everyone and, our goal is to offer services that can assist, educate, and enrich all of our island community. Our wide range of human services include:
• Emergency financial assistance
• Food pantry
• Non-emergency transport on and off the Island
• Temporary loan of health equipment
• Hurricane preparedness information
• Disaster Relief program
• Daily hot meals program
For additional information, please visit http://www.fishofsancap.org
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