Warden Food Pantry in need of donations

WARDEN — The Warden Food Pantry will change its day and hour of operation beginning in February. But whatever its hours, the food pantry is looking for some support.

The food pantry, located at the intersection of Fifth and Maple streets, will be open from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. each Thursday, beginning Feb. 1.

Next week will be the last week for the current hour, which is 3 to 4 p.m. Tuesday. Hours are changing because the food pantry has entered into a partnership with 2nd Harvest in Spokane, and the 2nd Harvest delivery will arrive on Wednesdays, said food bank coordinator Tara Harris.

Support from the community is especially important this time of year, Harris said. “Our numbers go up at this time.”

“As (the food pantry) has grown, the need has gotten bigger,” said Rick Garcia, pastor at the Warden Assembly of God Church. “We serve an average of about 30 families per week.”

That comes at the same time as donations drop. The Warden community supports the food pantry – Warden schools usually conduct food drives during the holiday season; local businesses do too, and local farmers donate extra produce during summer and fall. But there’s that period in midwinter when donations get a little thin.

The food pantry is operated by a coalition of local churches, Garcia said. “We all decided to come together to help our community out." It’s been in operation for about – oops. “I need to get Pastor Miguel.” Miguel Castillo, pastor at Warden’s Mennonite church, said the food pantry is about four years old.

It operates from a building owned by the City of Warden, a U.S. Bureau of Reclamation office back in the day. “The City of Warden has given us this facility rent-free,” Garcia said. The food bank operators are responsible for some expenses.

As old office buildings go, it’s tiny. Because it’s so small, the food bank cannot take donations of clothing, Garcia said.

There was enough food for customers on Tuesday afternoon, with Maricruz Lino standing behind the old office counter, supervising distribution. “I’ve been helping out since I was 12 years old, and I’m 19 now,” she said.

But the shelves were getting a little bit bare. “We need some help. And food,” Garcia said.

Donations of non-perishable food can dropped off at the food pantry on the afternoon it's open. People who want to donate food or money but who can’t get there on distribution day can leave messages at the Warden Assembly of God, 509-349-2091, or the Warden Community Church, 509-349-2509.

Money donations also can be made at U.S. Bank branches to the Warden Food Pantry account. People also can contact the food bank through its Facebook page or by email, wardenfoodpantry@gmail.com.

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at education@columbiabasinherald.com.