The shelves at the Salvation Army Renton Rotary food bank are looking bare these days, and Community Programs Manager Martha Barrett said it is a cause for concern.
“We have an extreme shortage of food,” she said. “Usually we get a lot of private donations that come throughout the weeks, especially coming through closer to the holidays… but we’ve had issues one thing after the other. Right now we’re in dire need of food. This is the first time I’ve said, ‘I’m worried about this.’”
Barrett attributes the shortage to the recent leadership changes that have occurred at Salvation Army, along with technical difficulties they’ve had with a broken refrigerator.
“We can’t store it that long of a period. And you know how hot it was in the summer, so that did affect the food,” she said.
Even with a shortage of food donations, the food bank has seen an increase in people who are coming in. Each week, food bank gives out food bags to those experiencing homelessness. Barrett reported last year they were giving out about 40 to 50 bags per week. This year, the number has spiked to about 80 to 120 bags per week.
“In those food bags, you have to remember it’s not food that you need to cook and prepare. That’s where our canned problem is coming in as well,” said Barrett. “In those bags, we utilize a lot of ready-to-eat foods, like the soup cans, canned chillies and spam. That’s taken a lot out on our inventory for the food bank itself. Our numbers of clientele have increased, however our donations remain the same, which means the capacity that we have to continue assisting is where we need help. We need more food to help the more people we’re seeing currently.”
They have also seen an increase in their Operation Take Out, a program that delivers food boxes to those who are unable to physically make it to the food bank. Barrett said in previous years, they served an average about 12 clients. This year that number has jumped to 50.
The food bank is also in need for more volunteers for the upcoming holiday season.
“Where volunteer numbers are concerned, we’re doing fantastic in our regular service is concerned,” said Barrett. “Our need for volunteers is for the upcoming holiday, especially for bell ringing.”
Bell ringing volunteers stand outside 32 grocery stores in the area across Renton, Mercer Island and Issaquah, collecting donations and greeting customers. Last time this year, Barrett said the bell ringing volunteer board was half full. This year, only 16 spots have been filled.
“If we don’t have any volunteer bell ringers, we will have to turn around and hire bell ringers, taking money from the overhead,” she said.
“When a volunteer rings the bell, 100 percent of what goes in that kettle goes into the Salvation Army services. Whereas, if we were to hire someone, a portion of that would go to paying that (person),” said Lt. Susan Cassin, assistant corps officer.
To address the increased need, the food bank has increased their hours of operation. They’re intake hours are 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
Even with the bare shelves and increased needs, Barrett said she is confident the Renton community will rally to the food bank’s cry for help.
“We are very appreciative of the community overall. They have always stepped up and out and given. We are asking them to do so now,” she said.
Items the food bank is in need of include tuna, chicken, chili, spam, beans, canned soup, cold cereal, oatmeal, canned fruits, peaches, apple sauce, peas, corn, carrots, mixed vegetables, tomatoes or green beans.
You can drop off donations at 206 S Tobin St. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. For questions or more information call 425-255-5969.
