Galilean Lutheran Church Donates Land for New Food Bank Building

On Sunday, January 26, 2026, Galilean Lutheran Church officially donated a portion of its property to the Ocean Shores Food Bank—an extraordinary act of generosity that will help make a future food bank facility possible.

This partnership carries special significance. The Ocean Shores Food Bank was originally founded and operated by Galilean Lutheran Church, which ran it for several years before becoming an independent nonprofit. The church’s latest gift continues that legacy of compassion and service.

The food bank had previously purchased an adjacent plot of land, but as planning for a new building progressed, it became clear that additional space would be needed. Drainage challenges and other site considerations meant that the original parcel alone could not support a facility that would fully meet the community’s needs. When the food bank board approached Galilean Lutheran Church for help, the church responded without hesitation.

Galilean Lutheran Church council president Alvina Olstead shared the heart behind the decision: “God calls us to proclaim God's love for all people, both in word and in action for others. Galilean was given property to help with our call. Galilean continues to share God's word of love through our worship services and through our caring for our community. This donation of land will give the food bank a larger and better space and also stands as a visible symbol of Galilean's love for our community.”

North Beach VFW Post 8956 Supports the Food Bank with $1,000 Donation

In January, the North Beach Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 8956 made a generous $1,000 donation to the Ocean Shores Food Bank. We are deeply grateful for their support and for the spirit of service that continues long after their military service has ended.

The members of Post 8956 are community heroes in every sense—neighbors who step up wherever they see a need and who work tirelessly to make the North Beach area stronger, kinder, and more resilient. Their contribution will help ensure that families facing hardship have consistent access to nutritious food.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the VFW for their commitment to serving others and for standing with us in the effort to ensure no one in our community goes hungry.

Game Day Giving at the Super Bowl Watch Party

Kick off Super Bowl Sunday with your neighbors at the Ocean Shores Convention Center on February 8th, starting at 2:30 pm. This free, family-friendly Watch Party is the perfect place to cheer on the Hawks as they take on the New England Patriots for the Lombardi Trophy.

While you’re enjoying the game, swing by the Ocean Shores Food Bank table to make a difference right here at home:

• Donate a non-perishable food item to help stock our shelves
• Pick up a 2026 Ocean Shores Food Bank calendar for $15 — featuring stunning local photography and $20 in coupons from Ocean Shores businesses
• Enter one of our two 5/50 raffles to support our work and maybe take home a prize

Your cheers, your presence, and your generosity all help ensure that local families have the nutritious food they need. Join us for a great game, great company, and a great cause — all under one roof.

Round Up at the IGA This February

As you’re stocking up on game‑day treats at the Ocean Shores IGA—and throughout the entire month of February—you can make a big difference with a small gesture. By rounding up your purchase at checkout, you help restock the shelves at the Ocean Shores Food Bank and ensure that every neighbor has access to nutritious food when they need it most.

Our heartfelt thanks go out to the customers and staff of the IGA for their generosity and partnership. Your support is making this February brighter for our food bank guests.

January by the Numbers

Total households served: 1,130

Total household members: 2,461

New families: 45

Kids' Books distributed: 145

Number of volunteer hours logged: 1,132

Recently, a couple who had just arrived in Ocean Shores visited the food bank. They'd moved to town for new jobs and were relieved to find a place to live—but after paying first and last month’s rent, there was little left for groceries. A volunteer welcomed them, helped them shop, and made sure they left with enough nutritious food to get through those first tight weeks.

They walked out grateful—not only for their new home, but for the generosity of this community. Your support of the Ocean Shores Food Bank ensures that when neighbors face moments of need, they are met with dignity, compassion, and a helping hand.

Celebrating the Volunteers Who Make Our Mission Possible

Food Bank volunteers started the new year off right with a lively potluck on January 17th at Galilean Lutheran Church. The room was filled with great food, easy laughter, and the kind of fellowship that reminds us why this work matters. It was a chance to celebrate the backbone of our organization—the dedicated volunteers whose compassion and commitment make everything we do possible.