SANDPOINT — As the novel coronavirus pandemic continues to keep schools and businesses closed, the Bonner Community Food Bank is seeing an increased need.

“We’re seeing about a 30-percent increase in need,” said Tammie Harder, an administrative assistant at the food bank. “That could go up.”

The food bank had to amend its operations in light of COVID-19 in order to keep clients, volunteers and staffers healthy.

The food bank in Sandpoint has prepared monthly food boxes for distribution on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The food bank in Priest River will be distributing monthly food boxes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, between 10 a.m. and noon.

While supplies last, the food banks will be distributing perishable items such as eggs, dairy and baked goods, Harder said.

Harder said clients of the food bank are largely seeing what grocery store shoppers are seeing — a shortage of non-perishable, shelf-stable proteins such as canned soups, tuna, chicken and breakfast cereals. The run on those items in grocery stores, which donate to food banks in Bonner County, is having an impact.

“If the stores don’t have it, we’re not getting donations,” said Harder.

Harder said the food bank is making large food purchases, something it would mainly do around Thanksgiving.

“Before, we had to rarely purchase food,” she said.

The food bank is also registering new clients who reside in Bonner County over the phone Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Harder said the most meaningful contributions people can make during the pandemic is monetary donations.

Businesses and donors in the community are already rising to the occasion.

“They have really stepped up. We’re seeing new donors,” Harder said.

The food bank is also grateful for the support its receiving in these uncertain times.

“We’re all just thankful for the community supporting us,” said Harder.

Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.