Hunger is a faithful companion, welcome or no.

While the Orcas community has been incredibly generous, recently raising $12,000 during a matching funds drive, there are still hungry little mouths to feed on Orcas Island.

Food bank leaders Joyce and Larry Shaw are grateful to the community for their faithful support, saying that during the past two months the bank has served up to 78 families per week, with numbers up 43% from last year. They also wish to thank the Orcas Island Community Foundation, which has awarded the bank $3,500 specifically for fresh eggs and cheese to be given out over the next year.

A spark of hope: numbers have been dropping a little over the past couple of weeks, and Joyce hopes it’s due to work opportunities picking up with the (mainly) cheerier weather.

Problem is, donations have also been down since the latest drive.

Joyce encourages people to continue supporting the bank in any way they can, from home-grown extras to cash. Volunteers will gladly accept surplus garden greens and herbs, dry or canned goods, and frozen or refrigerated foods as well. Joyce does ask that garden produce come pre-rinsed, since the current location doesn’t have facilities to clean muddy veggies. She also said a number of new moms need diapers, and items like laundry soap and toilet paper are always in demand.

There’s also an ongoing need for brown paper grocery bags to package each family’s groceries, although some clients bring their own sacks. When bags run low, the bank has to spend precious funds buying them.

“We’d rather be buying food,” said Joyce.

To drop off frozen meats, veggies, fruits, or anything else requiring refrigeration, phone the Shaws at 376-4609 to arrange a drop-off time, or stop by during open hours. For more information, see www.orcasislandfoodbank.org.

Current Food Bank open hours:

Tuesdays, 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. (hot lunch provided)

Thursdays, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. (no meal)

Location:

Orcas Island Community Church basement, south entrance