VOICES FROM THE NETWORK
Greg Heberlein is a dedicated Food Lifeline volunteer, and also happens to be a financial commentator for KPLU radio. In addition to his volunteer duties, Heberlein took to the streets (or the phone, as it were) to hear how the recession is affecting the food banks, meal programs and shelters within our network:
Washington state food agencies face challenging times. Most find it hard to meet increased demand with fewer dollars. But still they find innovative ways and a giving citizenry to respond to multiplying clientele.
Government budget cuts and weaker government support mark this, the fourth year of the recession.
"A few months ago, clients were up 25 percent, food donations were down 30," said Kellie McNelly, who oversees the Rochester Organization of Families (ROOF).
In less than two years, demand at the Snohomish Food Bank soared 35 percent, said executive director Elizabeth Grant.
At the Ballard Food Bank, "We’re on track to jump up at least 10 percent, if not 20, by the end of the year," said Nancy McKinney, Ballard’s director.
Food-bank staffs have been whittled to their minimum, say their leaders. In general, clients have little choice but to receive less. Agencies wonder what visitors during the high-traffic holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas will receive.
But like most tunnels, a light glimmers. In Longview, John Gotshall runs the St. Vincent DePaul food program. He said despite the closure of lumber mills and other businesses, his agency has not faced the expected increases in visitors.
"Cash donations are not significantly better, but they’re no worse," Gotshall said. He applauded the way churches, schools, service groups and the U.S. Postal Service have enabled St. Vincent to keep up.
Snohomish’s Grant developed a technique to make ends meet at holiday time. She asked her donors – the same range of groups helping St. Vincent and others – to adopt a specific item and agree to provide bulk loads of it.
"St. Michaels gave cake mix, the Girl Scouts contributed icing. Rotary gave us 340 cans of peas," Grant said. Juice, gravy and olives were other categories donors agreed to supply. Grant received keepsake pictures from two supporters who built pyramids of their contributions.
But before Grant could even consider patenting the idea, as if there were such a process, she discovered her neighboring agency in Lake Stevens did the same thing.
Faith in benefactors is boundless.
"There’s still a lot of generosity in the community," Ballard’s McKinney said. "There are some amazing stories of kindness."
Grant said she’s impressed not only by big givers, but by the little ones: "There’s an elderly couple that gives us $30 a month no matter what. That keeps our doors open – we have a lot of constant donors of $25, $50, $100. The food bank makes me really proud of the community."
Even in hard times, the we-can-do-it spirit prospers.