The Ocean Shores Food Bank is an all-volunteer organization and with Fall approaching and our snowbird volunteers looking to head to more southern climes. We are looking for more people to join us as we work to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry. There are many jobs available, from helping at our Thursday food bank distributions to stocking shelves at our Tuesday morning work groups to unloading truck deliveries and picking up groceries from local grocery stores and joining our garden team as they tend the food bank beds at Garden by the Sea.

Volunteering at the food bank is fun. You’ll meet new people and, most importantly, you will help put food on local tables. For more information, click here to visit our website or contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Kathy Baker, at nwkate91@gmail.com. 

A long-time guest (who is also a donor) told us, “I go to the food bank rather than the grocery store because I feel safe there. Sometimes, all I need is a few oranges and a can of vegetables. I love the people there.” She went on to say that she doesn’t care if the weather is bad because she feels safe and welcome even under the drafty, leaky tent.

Many thanks to all the volunteers and guests who make the Ocean Shores Food Bank such a safe and caring place.

August by the Numbers

Total households served – 1,098

Total household members – 2,403

New families – 46

Kids' books distributed – 197

Number of volunteer hours logged – 1,178

Ace Round Up Helps Feed Your Neighbors!

Many thanks to Buck Electric Ace Hardware (641 Point Brown Ave NW) in Ocean Shores) for making the food bank the recipient of their September Round Up. The support of Ace and their shoppers comes at a critical time as the numbers of folks reaching out to the food bank continues to rise and our food purchasing budget struggles to keep pace. We are deeply grateful.

Volunteer Appreciation Picnic a Fun Time for All

The Ocean Shores Food Bank's annual volunteer appreciation picnic was held on August 24th. This was an opportunity for the food bank to say thank you to the dozens of volunteers who make our work possible.

As Food Bank Executive Director Sandy Harley (herself a volunteer) said, "Your compassion and your kindness are having a lasting impact on our community. You are making life better for many of our guests. Whether you are a long-time volunteer or new to the food bank, and regardless of how many hours you choose to give, it’s important for you to know that what you do does make a difference. Your willingness to share your time to help others says a lot about your strength and your character. Please know that your dedication is recognized, appreciated, and cherished. Thank you, and I look forward to continuing our work together….so no one in our community goes hungry."

Share Your Abundance!

The growing season is upon us. Local gardens and orchards are bursting with life—sometimes so much so that all that life can seem overwhelming. If you find that you have more fruits and vegetables than you need, please consider donating your excess produce to the Ocean Shores Food Bank. We are open for distribution every Thursday, and your fresh fruits and vegetables would go directly onto the tables of local families.

Bring your bounty to the food bank on Tuesday morning between 9:00 a.m. and noon or email us at food@oceanshoresfoodbank.org or call us at 360-289-2171 to arrange another time to come by or for us to pick it up.

Your green thumb can help provide healthy nutrition to your neighbors in need.