One hundred people are already in line
when the food bank opens at 12:30 on
May 31. There are usually 70 to 80. Client visits are 25 to 35 percent ahead of last year.
The statistics defy the stereotype of who uses food banks. Half the families who get food are working. Others are disabled or seniors who just can’t make their food budget stretch. In summer, children who were getting free meals at school now eat at home.
Whatever the reason, people coming to the Bellingham Food Bank are treated with dignity and respect. “We know it’s not easy to come here” says Mike Cohen, the director. “Sometimes people need help for months before they come.” Each client can visit once a week, choosing one item from each category.
Several Unitarian Church members started the food bank in 1972 in the parsonage next door. It grew for more than a decade before moving to an old warehouse on Ellis Street.
Three Bellingham Rotary clubs committed a collective pledge of $225,000 and began a grass-roots campaign to build a new food bank. They solicited other donations and services from volunteers, many of them Rotarians. The food bank moved into temporary quarters.
This month they move back to their old site but in a modern building that increases the square footage by 85% and will serve the community and its satellites for the next 30 years. “The local support has been unbelievable,” says Mike Cohen.
Three architects donated design work. Two different structural engineering firms provided free services. Pearson Construction, as the general contractor, was pivotal. Ram Construction demolished the old building. Ludtke-Pacific Trucking and Parberry’s were involved in clearing the site. Construction materials were donated at or below cost. The actual building is coming in 30% below what it would cost retail.
To help reach the remaining capital fund goal of $200,000, ValuPak donated three mailings to 50,000 households in Whatcom County. Contributions to the capital campaign can be made at Industrial Credit Union branches, at the food bank or on its website: www.bellinghamfoodbank.org.
With only four paid employees, the 130+ volunteers are vital for picking up food, packaging and distributing. Reasons for volunteering differ. For some it is an extension of their religious faith or belief about social justice. Others do it because it’s a fun place and feels good.
Two million pounds of food will be given out this year. Items are bought from National Life Line’s Seattle outlet. Milk and eggs are purchased locally. Local businesses donate left-over food. Home gardeners contributed 20,000 pounds of produce last year. Schools have food drives. Individuals donate sacks of groceries. The annual post office drive in May brought in 62,000 pounds.
The Food Bank Farm started last July on the Guide Meridian in partnership with Small Potatoes Gleaning, Alm Hill Gardens and Growing Washington. “We need lots more volunteers,” says Amaris Lunde, Manager. Except for her, it is all done with volunteer gardening labor, planting, weeding and harvesting the fresh produce.
An open house is planned at the new building by early fall to celebrate the community effort that made this happen, Cohen said. He also has a food bank wish-list for gas cards, professional web design help, donated seafood and sponsors for ongoing programs. Call Mike Cohen at 676-0392.
To volunteer to work at the Farm, contact Amaris Lunde at 927-1968.
