Thurston County Food Bank: Navigating New Challenges in the Fight Against Hunger
As dawn broke on a recent Friday morning, six resilient senior citizens gathered in front of the Thurston County Food Bank’s (TCFB) Food Pantry, located at 220 Thurston Ave. NE in downtown Olympia. Their lawn chairs were set up like fortresses against the uncertainty of the day — not from bad weather, but from the unpredictability of available resources.
A Race Against Time
“I arrived around 6:40, and the food bank doesn’t open until 10:30,” shared Larry Messenger, a regular who knows all too well the importance of timing. “If we come later, there’s a chance that the shelves will be bare,” added Kim Shearer, echoing the urgency felt by many in their situation. Both acknowledged the compassion and professionalism of the food bank’s dedicated staff, whose unwavering support stands as a beacon of hope to those in need.
A Legacy of Care: The Mission of Thurston County Food Bank
For over 50 years, the Thurston County Food Bank has been a cornerstone of community support, tirelessly working to combat hunger and ensure access to nutritious food. “We exist to eliminate hunger in our local community through a strategy of neighbor helping neighbor,” said Judy Jones, the Senior Director of Operations and a seasoned advocate for social welfare. “We aim to provide for all, with an emphasis on dignity and compassion.”
Serving the Community: The Hard Numbers
Jones revealed that TCFB serves approximately 1,000 families each week from its two main pantries, a number that doubles when including satellite partners. To keep pace with this growing need, the organization requires a staggering 60,000 pounds of food each week.
The Seasonal Strain: Holidays and School Breaks
"Holidays can be particularly daunting, as can the summer months when children lack access to school meals,” Jones explained, underscoring the cyclical nature of food insecurity. Since emerging from the shadow of COVID-19, TCFB has witnessed a steady increase of 5-7% in first-time users of their services each week, a stark reminder of the ongoing economic challenges many face.
Financial Pressures: The Impact of Federal Cuts
Despite TCFB’s commendable efforts, the economic landscape is changing. In March, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced cuts to two federal programs that had provided around $1 billion to schools and food banks to procure food from local producers. This significant funding cut comes amid broader efforts to reduce government spending and waste.
“This reduction will undeniably affect both the quantity of food provided and our available funding,” Jones lamented. “We’re actively creating contingency plans to adapt our services, seeking new funding sources, and we will engage our community about the financial impacts and ways they can assist.”
Voices of Resilience: The Community Response
The senior citizens waiting outside the pantry were all too aware of the looming challenges. Richard Stewart, a Navy veteran, articulated the collective unease felt among them: “The staff here dread having to deliver bad news about this situation. They appreciate how government decisions can profoundly impact those of us living on fixed incomes who just need a little assistance to get by.”
How You Can Help
While the challenges facing TCFB are significant, the community’s support is more crucial than ever. Whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading awareness, every little bit counts. For more information about locations and operational hours, reach out to the food bank at 360.352.8597 or [email protected].
Together, we can empower the Thurston County Food Bank in its mission to combat hunger and uplift our community. Join us in supporting those who need it the most!
