Reflections on Food from Jane Hershman

As I complete my first year as a member of the food bank team and coordinator of the dedicated volunteers who serve this effort, I often reflect on how much I take food for granted. The ability to obtain, buy and prepare almost anything I want if it is available at my local market, is a constant I assume will always be there. It is difficult for me to imagine the circumstances under which I would be compelled to visit my local food bank for help with this most basic of human needs.

But those who walk in our door are in just such circumstances. Unemployed or under employed, disabled, homeless or finding themselves unable to pay the rent, buy gas and enough food on limited Social Security checks or food stamps - these are only a few of the reasons that people seek help.

The food bank at St. Columba’s is a distribution site for the Emergency Feeding Program of King County. Non-perishable food is packaged in sacks and delivered to us for distribution. Sacks vary in size and while the contents are not negotiable, the size of the bag we give out is tailored to the size of family. We also collect and distribute items that support human dignity such as toilet paper, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, soap and diapers. During the summer and early fall months, we are also able to give out produce from the Just Garden. And generous donors often give us “extras” to supplement the contents of the bags - such as pasta, canned soups, vegetables, fruit and tuna fish.

There are no geographical restrictions on who we serve, nor do we limit any family or individual to how many times they can visit. However we do, as need is indicated, refer patrons to other resources in the community such as the Multi-Service Centers in Kent and Federal Way to obtain assistance with employment, medical and dental care, help with paying their energy bill and housing.

From January, 2019 through the end of February, there were 86 visits made to our food bank. Many of these individuals and families have become familiar faces - the needs remain strong in our community and our support of this ministry an ongoing necessity. Many times what we provide along with food is a welcoming presence and an attentive ear. I mentioned to a friend recently that serving at the food bank has made me look hunger in the face - to go beyond just writing a check to Northwest Harvest as valuable as that is. I get out of this work as much I think as I give. And will continue to do so as long as the need is there.

Thank you to all at St. Columba's who support and contribute to our Food Bank Ministery!