‘Our shelves are really empty’

EPHRATA – The Ephrata Food Bank, a resource for families in the Ephrata community, is currently facing significant challenges due to dwindling supplies, but increased demand, Director Phyllis Fuglie said. Since moving to its current location in 2003, the food bank has served as a lifeline for many residents struggling with food insecurities. Prior to the current building the food bank operated out of the Ephrata Recreation Center. According to volunteers, the need for assistance has only intensified in recent months as food sources have diminished. 

“Our shelves are really empty,” said Fuglie. “We could traditionally give out two types of meat per family, but now we are down to one and for protein-rich foods, we are definitely seeing a cutback.” 

As a result, the food bank is calling on the community for donations, particularly meats, pasta, peanut butter, canned soups and other essentials. Donations can be dropped off during food bank hours. The Ephrata Food Bank sources its supplies from various local partners, including Second Harvest in Spokane, the Moses Lake Food Bank, local grocery stores and farmers. However, Fuglie mentioned that these sources are also facing operational difficulties.  

“Even Second Harvest is hurting; their warehouses are active but not able to restock enough for the growing need,” she said.  

Alongside declining donations, higher demand is stretching the food bank’s resources thin. On an average month, the Ephrata Food Bank serves between 500 to 800 residents, with 60 to 80 families visiting each day they are open. The food bank is open Mondays and Thursdays from 2 to 4 p.m.

Fuglie stressed the importance of providing food assistance in a community where many “just need to get through that gap.”  

One Ephrata resident, who preferred to be identified as Amy, said she is a single mother of two children and the food bank is a helpful resource to her. 

“I come in, they check me in, they make small talk with me and make me feel welcome and I leave knowing I have food for me and my children,” Amy said.  

She said she has been using the food bank since 2020.  

“It just helps me save a little bit more money,” Amy said. “I work a full-time job but in this economy it’s hard to provide for three people on one check. I still have to go grocery shopping but my bill is less, which means I have more money for my children and in case of an emergency. It helps us be comfortable on a smaller income.”  

Many clients depend on the food bank, including low-income families, single parents, veterans and elderly residents.  

“It makes me sad sometimes, especially when the elderly and the veterans come in,” Fuglie said. “They have earned their lives, and they shouldn’t have to stand in line for their next meal. I am glad we are here for them, but I wish they were provided for.” 

The food bank operates on a monthly system, offering clients a box complete with rice, pasta, and other staple foods, along with the option to return weekly for reduced portions.  

“It may not be a feast,” Fuglie said, “but it helps families get by.” 

As demand increases, the Ephrata Food Bank is adapting its operations to meet the community’s needs. Fuglie and her fellow volunteers prepare for each client’s arrival every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon by pre-filling the boxes, often witnessing long lines form before the doors even open.  

“Thursdays are usually our busiest days. People are here lining up as early as 11:30 a.m.,” she said. 

In her two decades of volunteering, Fuglie has encountered numerous individuals whose stories highlight the food bank's critical role.  

“There’s a lady who came just a few weeks ago, and she was crying because it was her birthday, and she felt forgotten. We didn’t have cake that day, but we had ice cream, and we all sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to her,” Fuglie said. “It’s moments like those that remind us why we’re here — we are neighbors helping neighbors.” 

Volunteers play a significant role in the operations and community outreach of the Ephrata Food Bank. Many volunteers come from local churches, but some simply walk in to help out. 

Roger Adams has been volunteering with the food bank for five years.  

“I do it because I am retired and bored and need something to do, but also just want to help people,” Adams said. “I think that’s what a good community thrives on is helping each other.”  

Fuglie said she appreciates the volunteers’ dedication. 

“We get new volunteers every week, and it works out pretty well. They find it rewarding to be part of something that makes a difference.”  

The food bank is reinforcing its call for more donations as it heads into the spring season.  

“The farmers around here usually donate fresh produce and goods, and we are ever so grateful for them,” Fuglie said. “We want people to not only have food but have access to healthy food and our local farms help ensure that.”  

To further its mission, the food bank will be hosting a Christmas event again this year, where they aim to provide boxes of food and gifts to local families. “It’s a huge undertaking, but it’s a labor of love,” Fuglie said. “We usually cater to 200 families, providing not only a meal with turkey or ham but also toys for children in need.” 

The Ephrata Food Bank stands as an important resource for many Ephrata residents, and as the demands on the facility increase, the organization urges community members to consider donating non-perishable food items or their time as volunteers.  

“Whatever food we can help with, we are on board,” Fuglie said. “At the end of the day, food is a basic need, and we are dedicated to serving our community.”  

Ephrata Food Bank  

1010 A St SE 

(509) 754-5772 

Monday and Thursday, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  

Biggest needs: 

Protein: meat, peanut butter, protein bars, nuts, beans  

Pasta 

Soups 

Microwavable meals  

Fresh produce 

Anything you are able to donate. 

    The Ephrata Food bank is looking for easy microwavable meals which they give out to families to ensure children have food they can make safely.
  

    The Ephrata food bank located at 1010 A St SE is in need of food donations. Director Phyllis Fuglie said the biggest need is foods high in protein such as meat, beans, peanut butter, nuts and protein bars.
  

    Roger Adams said he volunteers at the Ephrata Food Bank because he is bored in retirement, and he wants to help people. Adams spent Thursday helping people load food into their cars.