With the holidays less than a month away, local food banks are working harder than ever to support families and children in need – ensuring they have food on the table, both over the holidays and throughout the year.
Jim Beaudoin, Executive Director of Marysville Community Food Bank, says the landscape of community non-profits has changed drastically since the food bank was founded in 1974.
“None of us thought we’d even need to be here 50 years ago. All these years later we’re still here and we’ve grown tremendously. We really want to take some time at this milestone to talk with the community about what the next 50 years will look like,” Beaudoin says.
In 2022, a whopping 1,571,885 pounds of food was donated to the food bank, with an additional 11,024 lbs of home-grown produce received. These donations went on to serve 16,409 households, or 50,028 individuals.
However, with a 12 to 15 percent increase in Maryville residents seeking support every month, Beaudoin encourages the public to keep their minds and hearts open to donating or volunteering in one of their programs.
“We serve hundreds of families each week with many volunteers and over the years the community of Marysville has always been supportive of our efforts. Unfortunately, now more than ever we need their support to continue to serve the growing numbers of neighbors in need,” says Beaudoin.
Here’s how you can get involved:
A Simple Gesture – This program makes it easy to donate. You’ll receive a reusable green bag to fill with non-perishable food items and leave on your front porch for a volunteer to pick up on the first Saturday of each even-numbered month. They’ll leave an empty bag for you to fill for the next pickup, and will remind you a few days before pickup!
Food for Thought – In 2021, the Marysville School district was able to qualify for all students to receive free lunches through 2024. l, yet they often go hungry by the weekend. The Food For Thought Backpack Program works with elementary school counselors to provide these students with weekend meals. “Currently, we are serving over 500 packs each week of the school year,” says Beaudoin.
Toy Store Initiative – With over 48 drop off locations across Marysville, the donation of food, toys and warm clothing ensures children are able to feel cared for and celebrated in a time of need. As donations pour in, volunteers are encouraged to sign up online, with food distribution drivers and food sorters currently in high demand as the holiday season ramps into high gear.
Monetary donations can be made online, which will provide for fresh food and gifts. Unwanted or spare toys and food can also be donated to the iconic red giving barrels wherever you shop and do business through the holidays.
The Marysville Police Department will also be accepting donations of warm clothing including coats and hoodies, to hand out to those in need through the Toy Store starting Dec. 1.
For those seeking support right now, the Marysville Community Food Bank is open every Monday, Tuesday and Friday, plus Wednesday evenings, once a month. For ease of mind guests can reserve their spot online or by phone at 360-658-1054.
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