by COLLEEN SMITH ARMSTRONG
Editor
After being diagnosed with breast cancer, “Eleanor” had to quit her job.
Now her family of four is relying on her husband’s Social Security to get by.
This past year has been difficult, but one of the bright spots is coming to the Orcas Island Food Bank each week.
“They really care about you,” said Eleanor (not her real name). “Since I’ve been ill, people come and check on me and bring me food if I need it. They want to make sure no one is going hungry.”
A typical bag for her has tuna, fruit, soup, pasta, tomato sauce, jello, refried beans, eggs, cheese, milk, bread, and fresh veggies.
“And bringing things home like freshly baked cupcakes makes a big difference when you are down,” Eleanor said.
She said food bank volunteers make everyone feel welcome, often greeting patrons by name.
“It’s more than a food bank,” Eleanor said. “It’s almost like family … There’s no reason to feel reluctant or embarrassed. You’d be surprised to see who is here. It is not for lowlifes, as some think. This is strictly about helping families, single people, and the elderly.”
Since January of this year, the Orcas Food Bank has served more than 250 households, which averages to around 60 families per week. If each family included only two people, that is a minimum of 500 people, which is 10 percent of the Orcas population.
The food bank relies on around 30 volunteers, who work out of the basement of the Orcas Island Community Church. It has had many homes over its 25-year history, but the current spot is crowded and limited in storage space.
Larry and Joyce Shaw, who run the organization, are leading the campaign to raise funds for a new building that would provide the space for a refrigerator, freezer, dry storage, and a prep area. The food bank has its sights set on a 24’ x 48’ modular building. The community church has agreed to lease space on its property for $1 a year.
Island donors (through the Orcas Island Community Foundation) have pledged $65,000 in matching funds. The food bank has already raised $35,000, leaving around $30,000 to bring in by Thanksgiving of this year.
“I think it is close, but we will do it,” said Leslie Ginnes, who is on the building committee. “It’s a hard time for a lot of people. But I’m confident the community will step up and do it.”
The food bank is open on Tuesdays from 12:30 to 2 p.m. and Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Every Tuesday, an island church prepares a hot meal for patrons. Every fourth Thursday of the month, Emmanuel Episcopal Church hosts a “Dinner Kitchen” in the church Parish Hall. The meal is intended for food bank clients and island seniors.
As winter approaches and seasonal work comes to an end, the food bank is anticipating a surge of new clients.
“We’re in line with the national average,” Ginnes said. “The rate of hunger and poverty is at 9 percent. We’re simply an example of what’s going on in the rest of the country. And work here is very hard to come by.”
Food bank volunteers and islanders who use the service are encouraging the community to give whatever they can.
“I can’t imagine why someone wouldn’t do this for their community,” Eleanor said. “You never know – someday it might be you.”
Added Ginnes, “Like air, it’s something that we all need. We are all entitled to food. I happen to believe that people can get into circumstances that are outside of their control, and feeding themselves can become a burden. And as human beings we are responsible for making sure everybody has air and has food. It’s so fundamental.”
How to donate
Mail checks payable to OICF/OIFB Building Fund, P.O. Box 1496, Eastsound, WA 98245.
Email lajoy@centurytel.net or visit www.orcasislandfoodbank.org for more information.
