Gustine kicks off program delivering food to residents during coronavirus pandemic

The sight of Gustine police zipping along the streets and sidewalks of the city on three-wheel Segways isn’t particularly new for residents.

However, it’s not often a police officer or volunteer shows up at your doorstep to drop off your lunch or dinner.

That’s precisely what kicked off Monday in Gustine. The city’s partnering with local businesses to deliver food and pharmaceutical goods to residents who are sheltering-in during the coronavirus pandemic.

It’s a unique public/private partnership that allows city officials to get food and supplies to residents staying home due to the pandemic. Plus, it’s another way to help restaurants stay in business while their dining rooms are closed.

Jami Westervelt, director of economic and community development, said residents can contact the establishments directly by phone or internet to place orders. The partnering restaurants and pharmacies then contact the city to assist with the delivery.

She said some Gustine restaurants don’t have the capability to deliver food, like restaurants in larger towns do. “This is a way that we can help them as well as to help the residents who are trying to abide by that stay-at-home order,” Westervelt said.

New Gustine Police Chief Ruben Chavez said City Manager Doug Dunford came up with the idea. The idea also helps support the elderly and other vulnerable populations unable to leave their homes.

“Being a smaller town, we’ve got some great restaurants. We have eight sit-down restaurants and I’ve seen the walk-ins drop dramatically and I really want to support them any way we can,” Chavez said.

“We don’t want them to go out of business. I mean this is our livelihood in our small town and we need to make sure that they stay active, fiscally solvent, and make sure we’re doing everything we can to support them.”

Salvador Lupian, owner of the El Pocosito restaurant, one of the businesses participating in the program, said he’s thankful to police and the city for their support.

Lupian said delivery service is very good for the situation, and he needs the help now because business is too slow.

Personnel affiliated with the police department, including explorers and volunteers, are also being utilized to fulfill order requests. No money will change hands during the delivery.

In the interest of social distancing, those delivering the order will not make contact with residents, according to the city.

Deliverers also take special precautions, like wearing gloves. Orders are left on the doorstep, and officials alert residents by knocking or ringing a doorbell. From a safe distance, deliverers visually confirm residents have received their order.

Deliveries are limited to those living within the Gustine city limits and restaurants based in the city. Delivery assistance will be offered by the city Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., according to the release.

The food must come from a list of restaurants that includes El Picocito, Kemp BBQ, Perry’s More than Pizza, Pizza Factory, Subway and Wolfsen’s.

Chavez said officers will not be taken off the street, and officers will be available to respond to patrol needs at all times.

Anyone interested in volunteering to help with the delivery service or any other need is encouraged to contact Lt. Sammy Joseph at SJoseph@gustinepolice.com, according to police.

For more information visit www.cityofgustine.com.

This story was originally published March 24, 2020 at 11:22 AM.