Thanksgiving food distribution Monday
File photo Volunteers distribute Thanksgiving baskets at the Moses Lake Food Bank in 2016. The 2017 distribution is Monday through Wednesday.
MOSES LAKE — There’s kind of a math problem at the Moses Lake Food Bank as the distribution of Thanksgiving baskets approaches. Actually, it’s more of a missing turkeys problem.
Food bank director Peny Archer estimated the food bank would distribute about 1,500 baskets for Thanksgiving. As of Thursday morning the food bank had “10 turkeys. And one ham,” Archer said.
Normally the food bank is closed on weekends, but it will be open for donations from 8 to 11 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Donations will be accepted right up to closing time Wednesday.
In an earlier interview Archer said food bank administrators wanted to let customers know about there might be a shortfall of turkeys. That way customers might be able to use other resources available to them to buy a turkey.
Along with the turkeys (or sometimes chickens), as far as the turkeys go, families receive fresh vegetables and canned food, most of the pieces needed to make a Thanksgiving dinner.
Distribution is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. Monday is drive-through day; people can pick up the food without leaving the car. On Tuesday and Wednesday baskets (actually boxes and bags) are distributed inside.
Donations of food, non-perishable and otherwise, will be accepted during the Thanksgiving season and after. “The community has been very generous” during the fall, Archer said, especially with donations of fresh produce. Going into winter, food bank operators are also looking for more substantial foods, she said, things like canned stew, soup and chili. Those are more popular when the temperature drops.
Thanksgiving is the busiest time of year at the food bank, when it comes to food, Archer said in an earlier interview. Christmas is equally busy, but part of the focus is on the annual toy drive.
The food bank is closed Thanksgiving Day and Friday, but it will open the following Monday, Archer said, and will need food. While the holiday season is busiest for donations, the food bank distributes food year-round and needs donations year-round, Archer said in an earlier interview.