Letters to The Editor: June 16-22, 2022

The Editor:

We are so privileged to do the work that we do. The outpouring of support that we received from the community during the past two years is immeasurable. But now, once again we must ask for your help. As households struggle with increases in fuel and food prices, our service is more vital than ever. More and more families who struggle to provide necessities, through desperation, are pushed to our doors. The end of the summer meals program will only increase the need.   

Increased prices have affected us as well. Every distribution we struggle to meet the ever-increasing needs of individuals and families who count on us.  Donations are the lifeblood of our operation. Funds collected during our matching funds campaign are rapidly depleting as a result of unanticipated exploding prices. The outpouring of food and monetary donations during the pandemic has all but ended. 

Donations from grocery stores, that we rely on for 60 percent of our inventory of fresh produce and protein, have greatly diminished. In addition, the cost of diesel to fuel our trucks, that are on the road seven days a week to rescue grocery donations, has skyrocketed. Raging inflation, coupled with the end of additional federal and state relief efforts have compounded the problem. And yet, during every distribution we welcome new families. We are facing the ‘perfect storm’ of increased need and diminished supply.

We realize that everyone is feeling the pain. And yet, with an empty pantry and increased need, we must turn the community that is our lifeline. We are in need of basic in-date shelf stable foods, diapers, pet food, laundry and dishwashing detergent and personal care products. Monetary donations will allow us to purchase protein products like milk, eggs and cheese. With your help we can continue to be a source of hope for struggling friends and neighbors.

Food and miscellaneous donations can be made at 500 C Street.

Monetary donations can be made in person, online at blainefoodbank.org or mailed to PO Box 472 Blaine WA 98231. 

Once again, we thank you for caring.

Sally Church, Blaine Food Bank operations manager

Blaine