Year in Review: Point Roberts Food Bank

For over 25 years, Henry Rosenthal (aided by his wife and a handful of dedicated volunteers) was the Point Roberts Food Bank, known and loved by all. But as his health declined in the spring, Henry planned for the continuation of the food bank by stepping down as president and inviting Ray Smith and Holly Robinson to join the board of directors. Ray was voted in as president, and Holly as vice president. Henry continued on the board as president emeritus until his passing in late November.

The food bank continues its weekly operations, serving an average of 50 clients a week, with a combination of food and other items obtained from the Bellingham regional food bank and distribution center, local grocery stores, Christ the King farm, local bakeries and local food donations.

The Point Roberts Food Bank is looking forward to exciting operational changes in the coming year, which include establishing a permanent home in order to consolidate supplies currently stored around the Point and setting up a permanent pantry where people can come to pick up food, eliminating the need for weekly transportation, set up, and breakdown of the food bank, and offering expanded hours.

We will be launching a website that will provide information on the items to be offered at the food bank for the current week, as well as considering hiring part-time staff to assist in running the food bank. We have expanded the board of directors to assist in this growth and always look to welcome new volunteers to serve in a variety of roles.

The board of directors looks forward to continuing Henry’s legacy and honoring his memory in the new year.