Volunteer hours required to run local food banks

ROYAL CITY - If you've ever wondered what it takes to run a local food bank, volunteers at Royal City's food bank can share what they're learning and invite you to visit between 1-3 p.m. on Tuesdays.

"We are still learning. Something new happens almost weekly," new director Dorothy Lee said. "Our priority is to serve clients and, this time of year, we average about 100 households per week."

The Royal City Food Bank receives commodities from 2nd Harvest, Northwest Harvest, Community Services of Moses Lake, farmers, local packing sheds, Royal City Harvest Foods, the Jabbora Family, Estudillo's Royal City Grocery, Walmart's Grocery Rescue Program through 2nd Harvest, individuals and community groups.

"This time of year we are getting fresh asparagus from Anderson Asparagus in Mattawa," Lee said. "Quincy Columbia Colstor helps to fill our 20-foot freezer unit with potatoes and vegetables all year long. We are also the fortunate recipients of state and federal grants."

"Just two weeks ago, we received a very generous donation from CHS and their Harvest for Hunger program," she added. "Last week the Callahan Family donated a large cooler container that will really benefit our ability to store perishables. Late last summer Patrick Lee at NAPA gave us a shop-size water-cooling fan. To them, scout groups, church groups and others who donate, we say thank you.

The RCFB rents the old Grant County PUD warehouse that was built in the 1950s. So the group has undertaken some sprucing-up, efficiency, and remodeling projects. Some are complete, and others are in progress. A big change since last fall has been the conveyor from which clients can pick up their box of commodities.

"We don't have to handle the items so many times now," Lee said. "Deuane Spencer has come up with new ideas to make our work easier. He does lots of other things too."

"I think each volunteer is very grateful for every other volunteer and the skills they bring to the food bank," Lee added. "We all depend on each other. The various jobs are spread around."

For many years, Norm and Marlene Stakkeland did all of the traveling to bring in commodities and did the record keeping. Now, about 22 people are sharing that responsibility.

The current RCFB officers, besides Director Dorothy Lee, are vice-chair Sharon Chesterman, and treasurer Margaret Nielsen.

"Everyone is important," Lee said. "I don't know what we'd do without Al Weisbeck, Daniel Castillo, Deuane and Shigeko Spencer, Dolores Hunt, Frank Sparks, Jewell Iverson, Jody Weber, Larea Lefler, Maria Nunez Solorio, Mario Martinez, Mike Moore, the Missionary Sisters, my husband Pat, Pearl Fletcher, Sheri Benson, Sue Gonzalez, Tom Freeman, and Verlyn Sahli."

Volunteers are always welcome. You may call Lee at 346-2322 if you'd like to help.

In addition to the food that is given out each week, clothing and household items that are given to the food bank are sorted and made available to clients without charge.

"Many, many families drop off clothing and other items, and we are grateful for the donations," Lee said. "For many years now, Verlyn Sahli has coordinated this additional opportunity to serve."

In March, 533 households were served. They included 1,827 family members, and 26 new families came. Each month the RCFB gets new families that are added to a data base that now numbers almost 1,100.

Some families come each week, some families come once a month, and some families aren't seen for several months. Whenever they come, volunteers are there to serve them.

"Volunteer hours totaled 463 in March, and that's about average for our volunteers." Lee said. "We don't work just on Tuesdays; there are plenty of things to keep us busy each month."

If you or someone you know could use the services of the food bank, stop by at 229.5 Balsam Street NW, Royal City, between 1-3 p.m. on Tuesdays. If you want to visit, pull into the back, fenced yard from Hawthorne Street, south of Balsam.

The food bank will soon have a web page, thanks to middle school teacher Jens Jensen. It will probably be looking for a new home in 4-5 years. And a grant writer is needed.