History

The Piedmont Emergency Relief Center (PERC) was created by a group of citizens, professionals, and clergy concerned over the number of their neighbors that frequently find themselves without food.

Operations

PERC is a non-profit organization, with a tax status of 501(c)(3). The organization is served by staff and volunteers as well as a Board of Directors.

Mission Statement

To build the capacity of the Greater Piedmont Community and surrounding areas to meet the emergency needs of children, families, and senior citizens.

To facilitate the introduction of programs for long-term education and solutions, and support, at the time our constitutents apply for emergency assistance.

To create the infrastructure for existing programs to reach the Greater Piedmont Community and surrounding areas.

Food Pantry Policy and Procedures

Food Pantry Policy:

1. The Piedmont Emergency Relief Center will meet the emergency food needs of families in the Piedmont area.
2. There will be no discrimination on the basis of race, religion, etc.
3. There will be no proselytizing.

Food Pantry Procedures:

A. We will give one emergency food package, described below, to:

• Anyone living within the 29673, 29611, 29669, 29697, 29640, and 29642 - zip code areas.
• Anyone referred by the Piedmont Fire Department.
• Anyone referred to us by a church or business within the 29673-zip area.
• We will keep basic contact and household information on file.
• Clients will be encouraged to sign up for food stamps. We will assist with completing the food stamp application and making an appointment with DSS.

1. After confirmation of application for food stamps, we will provide one more emergency food package, if needed, before they receive their EBT card.
2. After receiving assistance, those clients not registering for food stamps may no longer be eligible for assistance.
3. Those clients who have registered for food stamps are eligible for assistance four more times, not to exceed a total of six times within a twelve month period.
4. Any client will be referred to other agencies as needed.
5. We will partner with organizations providing Angel Food Ministry services to direct clients to them and they to PERC.

Gray Area Emergency Appeals

There will be created a committee of five people called the Gray Area Emergency Appeals.

1.  
   1. If a volunteer feels that there are extenuating or mitigating circumstances, three of the committee members will be conference-called by telephone.
   2. The volunteer will explain the circumstances to the committee.
   3. If two of the three members agree, then an emergency food package can be provided.
   4. If granted, the agreeing members will write in two or three sentences their rationale for granting assistance and present it to the executive board at its next meeting.
   5. The board will vote to agree or disagree with the committee.
   6. A record will be kept of these decisions along with the agreement or disagreement of the board for future reference and guidance of the Gray Area Emergency Appeals Committee.

Basic Emergency Non- perishable Food Package:

This is a recommended minimum item list for a family of four. It will be filled according to food items on hand. Further, volunteers will add non-perishable food according to family size and needed perishable food as available.

Other items can include: bread, eggs, milk, meats, poultry, frozen vegetables or fruits depending on availability.