Food Bank seeing hunger on the increase

We all remember our parents haranguing us to finish our dinners, raising the specter of famished children somewhere across the globe. They never told us about the hungry ones just down the street.

They are there, according to Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank Coordinator Glenn Keeran. You won't know who they are, because the food bank is careful about protecting identity; The only questions the staff asks relate to income.

The last 18 months have seen a tremendous increase in the number of people regularly accessing the food bank. Last month, 82 families were served.

"I think the economy has a lot to do with the increase," said Keeran. "Many of them are seniors who have lived in Sisters for many years and are on fixed incomes.

"We also see a lot more younger people, young women with children and young guys who are looking for work," he added.

The Sisters Food Bank supplements food from other agencies, namely COCAAN, a Central Oregon agency which governs the food bank's criteria, and the Oregon Food Bank. The amount given is enough to last for five to 10 days, to see the family through to the next paycheck.

Hunger can be selective and insidious. A family may look like they are doing all right on the outside, but family members may be going to bed never knowing that contented, well-fed feeling.

Hunger affects the ability to concentrate, which is one reason most mothers try to get something into their youngsters before they head off to school. There is a program in the schools allowing children to receive free or reduced-price lunches and also breakfast.

This program has not seen the dramatic increase that the food bank has, according to nutrition services coordinator Janice Comfort.

"We have around 24 percent of all children receiving the meal benefits," said Comfort.

More may qualify and are encouraged to sign up.

"There is no overt identification of children who receive the benefit; their accounts aren't flagged in any way and they don't have to stand in a separate line like the old days," said Comfort.

The Sisters Food Bank is located on the corner of Main Ave. and Oak St. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Donations of cash or foodstuffs are welcome.