The Greenwood Food Bank announced today that it is running critically low on food. The Food Bank now has less than four days’ worth of food.
“The Greenwood Food Bank typically has a supply of 8 distribution days of food. Right now, we have half of that in our stock,” Leann Geiger, Director of Food Bank Services at Volunteers of America, said in a press release. “Food donations have continued to decrease and we are concerned that we will run out of food.”
Food donations typically decrease in the summer, even though school-age children no longer have access to school meal programs and rely more heavily on food banks. Geiger says the food bank also has not been able to replace the 4,000 pounds of food each week that the Greenwood Market donated, before closing in early February.
Fifty-percent of the Greenwood Food Bank’s clients are children and seniors.
“If you have been thinking about making a donation, now is the time. The needs at the Food Bank will continue to increase as summer ends and we begin to approach the holiday season. A donation of just one dollar can purchase three meals, and anyone can make a difference with just a dollar,” Geiger says in the press release.
Items the food bank needs the most include canned meat, boxed meals, and kid-friendly foods such as macaroni and cheese and canned fruit. Donations are accepted at the Greenwood Food Bank, 9041 Greenwood Ave N., from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. You can also donate online or send a check to Volunteers of America, 9041 Greenwood Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103.
The food bank is also looking for volunteers to help with food deliveries and pick-ups. If interested, email [email protected].
They’re also looking for a new Warehouse Lead Volunteer:
The Greenwood Food Bank is looking for reliable and involved community members willing to volunteer part time as a Warehouse Lead Volunteer. The Food Bank has recently moved to an all-volunteer run program model, the first food bank of its size in Seattle to do so. Without the support of volunteers, we would not be able to serve the 4,000 clients that come to the food bank each month. This volunteer opportunity is perfect for someone who wants to take on a leadership role in the organization, gain experience with the internal workings of a food bank and a non-profit, and make a real, tangible difference in their community. Please contact Alice at (206) 782-6731 or [email protected] for more information.
