Greenwood Phinney Undressed

Food Banks Need Your Help

       

The current economy is making it difficult for a lot people to make ends meet, especially seniors on fixed incomes.  If you have never visited a food bank, you might be quite surprised.  No matter what your expectation is or preconceived notion…..the reality will not match.  Working families, seniors, well heeled individuals who have lost their jobs, homeless, disabled….every walk of life is represented at our food banks. 

I volunteered for a while at the Ballard Food Bank and was very suprised at the well dressed, very polite and very appreciative seniors.  ”Where are their families?” I wondered.  Why are they here?  Then came along the working couple expecting a baby who had just lost one income, the manager of a shelter who needed additional supplies, Grandparents taking care of their childrens’ children, the homeless - too many, the disabled with meager means - also too many.   All of them are our neighbors in need and you can help without breaking your own bank.  A monetary donation of any size is most appreciated as are extra produce and fruit from your garden, a bag of groceries, diapers, pet food (yes their pets are hungry too)…….. the following is a short list to help give you some ideas:  No Glass please

Peanut Butter, Hygiene supplies, diapers, baby food, canned tuna fish, pasta, rice, beans including re-fried beans, Mac and cheese,  powder milk, fresh veggies, canned veggies - lots and lots of canned veggies, items for the homeless that don’t require heating or can openers, grains, instant oatmeal……..milk and other diary products etc. in shelf stable packaging, juice containers for the kids …….. Many food banks such as the Ballard Food Bank, also prepare special bags for clients who have special dietary needs such as no salt, etc. so don’t hesitate to donate those types of items either. 

So the next time you are at the store, pick up some extras and drop them off at your local food bank, volunteer with the Phinney Neighborhood Center to collect “back yard” fruit and produce or just drop them a check.

written by;  Kerri Sheehan - realtor, Keller Williams, GRSE LLC