How Does the Food Bank Operate?
Our food bank plays a vital role in the work to end hunger in the Snoqualmie Valley. In 2020, we recorded 10,516 household visits that received food assistance from our community food bank. For 2021, we project that our client base will grow as we continue to see new faces every month.
How much food do we need?
In 2020, we distributed 725,910 pounds of food.
Where does the food come from?
Each week a food bank volunteer drives to South Seattle and Kent to pick up food from our partner agencies Food Lifeline and Northwest Harvest. We also partner with Eastside Baby Corner and local grocery stores. Volunteers rescue close to date perishable and non-perishable food items. We partner with our community and encourage churches, organizations, businesses, schools and individuals to hold food drives. The demand for food exceeds donations collected and in order to meet the need we purchase food from distributors at a fraction of the cost to maximize each dollar.
How do people in need receive food?
Neighbors in need that reside in Preston, Fall City, Snoqualmie and North Bend may “shop” each Wednesday and collect groceries between 9:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. or on Mondays between 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m or Tuesdays between 3:00 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. We also offer an option for Senior Only (65+) to shop each Monday between 10:00 a.m. -11:30 a.m. First time visitors meet with our client services specialist in our office and fill out a client registration form. This one on one meeting is an opportunity to understand other needs the clients may have and refer them to other resources. Return visitors of the food bank are welcomed by a receptionist and check in before selecting their food choices for the week. We are open all day to accommodate those neighbors that work. No appointment is necessary.
Who manages the food bank?
The food bank is managed by a board of directors. We also have an executive director, operations manager, operations assistant and client services specialist that work with over 100 volunteers each week.
If you are interested in more information, stop by or contact us. We are happy to provide a tour for small groups of 5-12 people!