Washington Food Coalition News

Tri Cities Food Bank
By Stephanie Kardos

 

During our trip to Eastern Washington, we visited the Richland branch of the Tri-Cities Food Bank.  There we met with John Neill, he manages all three of the food banks in the Tri Cities: Kennewick, Richland and Benton City. After our meeting with John, he gave us a tour of the food bank.

 

The Tri-Cities Food bank was founded in 1974, by the United Way.  In 2010 they served more than 125,000 individuals representing approximately 33,000 families.  The Food Banks provides emergency food to the needy residents of Richland, West Richland, Kennewick, Finley, and Benton City. The Kennewick location serves approximately 53% of the people helped.  The Richland location serves approximately 33% and the Benton City serves approximately 14%. On average more than 15 tons of food were distributed weekly, and about 40% of the people served by the Food Bank are children.

 

Needy families may receive food as often as once every two weeks. At each visit, a family is provided with up to a week’s supply of groceries.  Families receive a variety of groceries, including: meat, eggs, margarine or butter, canned goods, rice, beans, flour, pasta products, seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, and miscellaneous donated foods and supplies. In addition, an abundance of bread, rolls, and other bakery products are available. The Tri Cities Food bank is an all volunteer run nonprofit. This organization has more than 100 volunteers who have donated more than 30,000 hours collecting and distributing food to low-income people. Their volunteers collect food 365 days of the year.  To learn more visit : http://www.tricitiesfoodbank.org/