Food banks: More folks need assistance this year

By Linda Whitmore

This year, all the food banks in the region say more folks are coming to them for assistance – and they could use some help filling these needs.

The numbers are “higher, considerably higher,” said Pam Starr, who with her husband, John, co-ordinates the Aumsville Community Food Bank. Starr has volunteered so many years she can’t remember when she started.

With more people coming in for food boxes this year, “It’s a little more challenging to meet their needs.”

The food is distributed at Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville, and that congregation is the primary support team. The bulk  S of the food they distribute comes from Marion-Polk Food Share, but “we are very glad for contributions,” Starr said. They also get community donations through the annual postal drive and from individuals. It all helps.

“We run close to the line, but so far we have not had to close our doors because there wasn’t enough food.”
Turner’s food bank is also church-based. Melissa Braun, food pantry coordinator, said the number of people coming through their doors is up at least 30 percent. “And we have a lot more homeless people on the roster, as well,” she said.

The food boxes are filled with enough to feed them for about a week, and relaxation of government regulations allows people to come in more frequently than the once-a-month restriction of the past. They also offer special food boxes for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

In addition to getting their food from Marion-Polk Food Share, Turner Food Bank is supported by the congregation, which has a contribution drive twice a year. “And the Masonic Lodge has been very gracious,” Braun said.

Contributions are welcome at Turner Church of God, 7871 Marion Road SE.

A similar story of need is told by Edna Rickman, executive director of Stayton Community Food Bank, which provides food for residents of Stayton, Sublimity, Marion, West Stayton, rural Aumsville and rural Turner.
Rickman said they serve about 200 households a month, a number that’s “consistently up there.” Usually, she said, the number of families seeking help drops in the summer when there’s more employment, but this year there was no dip.

And, “new people are coming in – some we’ve never seen before,” she said. “They’re just very glad there’s a place they can go to get help.”

Rickman reminds that distribution is now at a new, larger facility. Recently the food bank relocated to 155 Second Ave. in Stayton.

The move was made easier through the help of volunteers.

“I want to thank everyone who helped us move. It was amazing,” she said. Men and women came to pack, trucks were provided to transport the food and appliances. Firemen and members of the Kiwanis Club did the heavy lifting.

Volunteers are the backbone of the organization through the year, too, Rickman said. Their work and the community’s contributions make the food bank work.

The Lions Club sponsors a major food collection each fall, Curves had a drive in the spring and SCTC, in conjunction with Foothills Church, also gathers food.

Right now, they could especially use some oatmeal and canned vegetables; also things like baked beans, chili and ravioli – more hearty fare for winter.

“We can always use cash donations, too,” Rickman said. She acknowledged that there were some moving expenses and the larger building has higher rent.

“We can always use cash donations to buy some things we need,” Rickman said. “Food, cash, whatever people want to give.”