Submitted by the Friday Harbor Food Bank.

There are few community efforts as important as those that provide access to an essential human need: reliable nutrition. The absence of, or unreliable access to nutritious foods, defines a substandard third world condition that should never happen to anyone. Especially in a community of plenty. Especially vulnerable children.

If you pass by the Friday Harbor Food Bank while closed, you will be impressed by the simple, functional dignity of the well-maintained building. It proudly stands for something. If you pass by while the nonprofit facility is open – especially on late Wednesday and Saturday mornings – you may want to pause to take in the casual but busy scene, the cohesive energy of neighbors helping one another. If you have never done so, take a peek through the open garage door into the storage and freezer area or through the covered entry door into the market-style shopping area. It is impossible to do so without a smile and a helpful greeting.

You will be impressed by the casual orderliness, friendly responses to questions and nutritious foods of all kinds attractively presented. Everything about the place confirms respect. This Food Bank serves one and all. Always. But without insights you would never imagine the many tasks – fundraising, grant writing, volunteer training, donated food sorting, creating educational materials, equipment maintenance, state and federal food assistance programs, local networking, increasing costs and inconsistent availability – that are constantly juggled to keep the doors open to increasing needs. A single paid employee manages the entire operation under the careful guidance of a volunteer board.

Current numbers show that more island households are experiencing food insecurity as essential food prices remain very high, affordable housing is unavailable and big-picture trade tariffs begin to impact individuals and households already strained. A comparison of January through mid-March of this year with last year, not quite a full fiscal quarter, yet the total number of people served (7,917 versus 6,354) and estimated total poundage of food distributed (316,680 pounds versus 254,160 pounds) tell the story. This year’s short first quarter is 57% of the entire year’s total for 2023! Barely into this year, think of the estimated food distributed so far represented by 63 loaded 16-foot Penske box trucks lined up two by two on Market Street.

Remodeling to better serve a steadily growing island clientele is nearly complete. Unfortunately, the next phase popped up unexpectedly. The streetside trees are cracking the foundation and asphalt and must be removed and then repaved. A hedge will create a much better windbreak, and a clear-roofed canopy will ease setup/takedown efforts for rainy days and reduce the heat on hot summer days for the outdoor market-style produce area.

The escalated disruptions in 2025 – slashing federal agency jobs and freezing pass-through funding programs – will be challenging to adjust to this summer. Current assistance contracts are in place and are expected to continue until the new contract period begins in July. Most community food banks and pantries obtain 20-25% of their core foods from U.S. Department of Agriculture programs.

This Food Bank, award-winning in my mind, is a model of low overhead, highly effective distribution of nutritious foods along with educational efforts for growing your own and preparing soul-enriching meals. Please consider donating money and quality foods to continue this proud community effort. For your convenience, you can donate online by going to our website, www.fridayharborfoodbank.weebly.com.