Food bank demand hits new record

The modest home of a vital community resource.

The Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank is serving an average of 40 families per month, an approximately 20 percent increase over last year's record level of demand.

At some times over the past few months, the food bank has served as many as 48 families.

The ever-increasing demand puts a strain on the resources of the small food bank, according to food bank volunteer Glenn Keeran.

"We're the smallest food bank in Central Oregon," Keeran said.

Consequently, the allotment of food from the Oregon Food Bank is relatively small.

"We were almost out (of food) when we got our last shipment from Oregon Food Bank in (early) July," Keeran said.

The best donations to the food bank are non-perishables such as cereals, flour, sugar and canned goods, Keeran said.

Although cash donations are welcome, he noted, actual food donations are preferred because it reduces volunteer time spent purchasing and hauling food.

Food bank clients are means tested and must apply for service. Often they are referred by Central Oregon Community Action Agency Network (COCAAN) or the Sisters Family Access Network.

According to Keeran, about 70 to 75 percent of the clientele are repeat applicants. Many of them are employed, but have a hard time making ends meet.

"During the summer, you know, we get a few campers -- and the homeless gentleman comes in for food, too," Keeran said.

Others are first-time applicants who have hit a sudden economic pothole.

"It's not just low-income," Keeran said. "It's people who have had good jobs and there's a big layoff... they're embarrassed to ask for it, but they need the help."

Many folks who get a helping hand from the food bank come back when they've got their feet under them with donations of their own, Keeran noted.

The Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank is located at the corner of Main Avenue and Oak Street. Volunteers are on hand Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Author Bio

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief

Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.

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