Many residents on the North Olympic Peninsula depend on the generosity of others for one of the most basic human needs — food.
While most Jefferson County food bank managers said they are confident they can supply food to those in need, confidence is not as high in Clallam County.
Officials at the Port Angeles Food Bank fear it will not have enough food to meet the demands of a growing population which relies on the organization.
Officials said the food bank will be severely depleted after Thanksgiving. The Port Angeles Food Bank, 402 S. Valley St., serves the largest number of people on the Peninsula.
Last November, it helped about 3,000 families; this year the number of families has increased.
“I can never turn anyone away,” said Mikki Saunders, executive director of the Port Angeles Food Bank. “The community has been keeping us afloat, but we will need more food donations, especially just after Thanksgiving.”
A local campfire group helped the food bank pack holiday boxes Saturday. The boxes includes such items as turkey, potatoes, onions, canned vegetables, applesauce and fresh produce or dairy as available. The boxes will be given to families requesting food for Thanksgiving. After boxes are distributed, Saunders said, the shelves will need restocked.
A fundraising drive by the Port Angeles Lions Club on Thursday also helped raise money for the food bank.
“It takes a lot of money to run a food bank, and people always need to be fed,” Saunders said.
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