MOSES LAKE — Serve Moses Lake has followed other local organizations as they close their doors to the public, complying with state and local protocols to take precautions against the spread of COVID-19.

Serve Moses Lake Director Brandon LaBonte said he had spoken to the health department and wanted to ensure they were following the proper precautions in the upcoming weeks. LaBonte added that nothing has changed other than moving operations to over the phone.

LaBonte said Serve’s lunch distribution program would now go through the Moses Lake Food Bank, while the limited staff available was conducting only intake interviews over the phone to avoid person-to-person interaction.

LaBonte said they’re currently watching to see how everything unfolds after making the decision to close to the public.

“If someone needs a non-food basket, or food basket, pantry items, we do it all through the phone,” LaBonte said. “We put the package together, and then we have them either come pick it up or have it delivered.”

The Serve Moses Lake director said food volunteers are still putting together non-perishable items to ensure the homeless are getting food. LaBonte said volunteers will continue to do their best to work with churches on standby to assist families needing assistance with utility bills over the phone.

Serve Moses Lake has seen a decrease in people asking for non-perishables early this week, dropping from 49 calls on Monday down to 22 on Tuesday, LaBonte said.

“I think a lot of people are complying with the self-disciplining, and the information has gotten out quickly,” LaBonte said. “And that’s a good thing. People are following instruction, but that may change in the next two months.”

There’s simply a lot up in the air right now, LaBonte said, including a possible relief fund sought by President Donald Trump. LaBonte said nobody’s really sure how to respond just yet, less than 48 hours since they were open and fully operational on Monday.

Donations to the non-food drive have slowed recently, LaBonte said. He added that they are at the mercy, largely, of what’s being distributed by the stores, many of which have been left with emptied shelves.

“Right now, everything has slowed down extremely, and we’re limited in what we can do,” LaBonte said.