Food Banks Feel Generosity Despite Post-Holiday Dip

Some area food banks have reported steady support despite donation dips post-holiday season. Many continue to look for ways to raise funds to not only help those they serve, but to keep their facilities operational as well. 

Chewelah Food Bank

Assistant Manager of the Chewelah Food Bank, Colleen Antoine stated that they can always use meat or any protein items. “Beans and rice, peanut butter and jelly, tuna fish, and cereal are always great for the food bags,”she added.

Antoine shared that they received a grant from Washington Federal Bank for $2,000 on Feb. 19 that has been helpful, but they are in the process of fundraising for major repair work needed on the western wall of their building. She explained that they sent out 62 letters asking for donations to help fix the wall. “We haven't had very good luck with that. We've only had three responses, but it's a big problem. It has to get fixed for the building to keep being what it is and being able to do what it does,” she said. Antoine said she discovered pieces of bricks lying around where the wall is failing and stated, “It’s not good. Any help we could get with that would be appreciated.”  She also acknowledged the food bank’s volunteers, stating, “We have a great team down here.”

For more information, visit chewelahfoodbank.weebly.com/contact-the-bank.html or call 509-936-9155. Chewelah Food Bank is located at 302 E. Main St., in Chewelah. 

Kettle Falls Community Chest

Kettle Falls Community Chest Director Tina Rubio reported, “We always need money, everybody does.” She added, “Dog and cat food is always appreciated; a lot of people [with pets] are in need of that. Those who don’t have the capability to go all the way to Arden to the animal sanctuary especially.”

Rubio also discussed fundraising efforts, including one on Saturday, Feb. 28,  at From Gears To Beers. She said, "Local dentist, Dr. Thomas B. (Chip) Johnson [also known as Dr. Chip] is going to do a free concert for us and we’re going to try and do some silent raffles and stuff like that to raise money.” According to Rubio, Dr. Chip plays with local band Chipped and Broken, who will be performing. Rubio said more information will be posted to their Kettle Falls Community Chest Facebook page.

For more information, visit kffoodbank.org or call 509-738-2326. Kettle Falls Community Chest is located at 472 Meyers St., in Kettle Falls. 

Colville Volunteer Food and Resource Center

Colville Volunteer Food and Resource Center Executive Director Tiane Shoemaker said, “Post holidays, it’s a little bit quieter. Usually this time up until April, our produce donations are down. That’s because the growing season is heavy from July through October.” She explained they typically receive apples, potatoes, and onions from the last growing season from local warehouses as well as donor support. “We do have community members who come by and ask us, ‘What are you guys in need of?’ And whatever we’re in need of, they go out there and they purchase it for us, which is really great,” she remarked.

Shoemaker emphasized that pantry condiment items such as ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce, or salad dressings would be helpful donations, saying, “Items that people take for granted that a lot of our folks don’t have.” She added that pre-packaged foods and spices are appreciated. “Some things that our clients are really liking is the pre-packaged, pre-cooked meals. Some of these are really good. They’ve got all the spices and everything is ready to go and they are non-GMO – no artificial ingredients – so it’s a lot healthier than some of the other box mixes,” she said, highlighting examples such as Eat Regal Gourmet’s Cilantro & Rice or Mexican Style Rice.

She stated, “We’re getting enough. The one thing that we were short on is eggs. If you have chickens and have an overabundance of eggs, donate to little food pantries because, this time of year, with it being so cold, chickens don’t lay as much.”

For more information, visit colvillefoodbank.org or call 50-684-2971. Colville Volunteer Food and Resource Center is located at 210 S. Wynne St. in Colville.