Local organizations are continuing to help communities impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.

At the Rochester Riverside Convention Center, volunteers for Foodlink are preparing food bundles for delivery to partner sites throughout the region.

 In the weeks ahead, Foodlink will distribute more than two million pounds of emergency food to households in need. Volunteers are following social distancing and hygiene guidelines provided by local health officials. 

Foodlink is screening out those who may be at higher risk.

"Foodlink phones have been ringing off the hook with people trying to figure out how they can help and while we're limiting volunteers overall, we're fortunate to have those select volunteers who are able to come in because they are making all the difference for us," said Foodlink President and CEO Julia Tedesco. "We are being really picky about who we have come in because we want to ensure the safety of our staff, our volunteers and our food supply, so it's individuals that are under the age of 60, that have no known health risks, no symptoms of illness."

"We're keeping excellent social distances from each other but this is a chance for us to do something to help rather than just stay home and feel helpless," said Michael Avery, volunteer and small business owner.

If you are interested in signing up to volunteer, shifts and guidelines are available on the Foodlink website.

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