Food Bank Manager, Jeannie Doty, and volunteer
Joanne Cundy pack bags for Senior Outreach deliveries.
— by Madie Murray —
Through a cooperative effort between the Orcas Island Food Bank (OIFB) and Orcas Island Senior Services, a number of seniors who have trouble getting out of their home to go shopping or visit the food bank for one reason or another receive a personally-delivered bag of groceries every Friday morning.
This pilot program began when OIFB volunteers and board members noticed that seniors were not coming to the food bank. After two full months of outreach, the OIFB Board voted to continue with this outreach program as part of the Food Bank’s mission.
The bags of groceries include staples, proteins and, when available, fresh produce and fruit. If a recipient cannot consume certain foods, is diabetic or has other special needs, those issues are taken into consideration as groceries are packed.
The initial recipients were people receiving meals on wheels from Senior Services. Since then, a few more have been added as neighbors or friends noticed someone in a situation and notified OIFB volunteers or Senior Services. Clients look forward to seeing the Food Bank volunteer and often remark, “This (service) is awesome!”
If you are aware of a senior or seniors who are unable or unwilling to leave their home and you feel they are not getting amble nourishment, please call Marla Johns at 376-2677 or Joanne Cundy at 425-239-0421.
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What a wonderful program! This is the “Orcas Way” we know and love. Let us all be mindful of helping Seniors and remember to make this connection for them. Congratulations to all of you who make this happen and dedicate your volunteer hours.