Weather Policy

Weather Policy: The Show Must Go On – As Safely As Possible.

This past Tuesday, we had yet another heat advisory. This time, severe thunderstorms were also forecast. Below, we let the Tuesday members know how we handle extreme weather. As we head into fall, storms become more of a possibility, so we wanted to make sure you saw this policy too.

The food is harvested, packed and will be distributed. There is a chance of rain and thunderstorms tomorrow. Our staff (and member’s) comfort and safety is most important. If a staff member doesn’t feel safe with the weather conditions, they will be in their car or their shed riding out the worst of the storm until they feel safe enough to continue. Members, please do the same.

We have only once stopped a distribution and once delayed a distribution for weather events. In 1999, a hurricane blew in and we packed everything up and manager Jen Mix brought it home to dole out of her truck the next day. In 2021 there was a tornado warning issued for our area. We delayed opening until the threat passed.

We have worked in torrential downpours and high wind gusts. We have hidden in the shed during lightning, ducked away from flying tents, shivered in cold weather (which sounds delightful right now,) and for the past few weeks sweltered in 90+ degree heat.

Thank you to all the members who brought ice, popsicles, extras drinks and even ice cream to depot staff in last week’s heat.