Letter to the Editor: Food Bank Thanks Island Market

— by Susan McBain, Food Bank Board Chair —

On behalf of the Orcas Island Food Bank board and volunteers, I’d like to say a special thank-you to Island Market for their long-time help for us, help that has grown even greater lately.

Island Market has always been generous with canned goods and other items that were nearing their “pull” date, were slightly damaged, or were overstocked. And they have always given us extra help around the holidays. Then a few months ago the market’s deli decided to contribute unsold deli items that would otherwise be thrown away to our Food Bank clients. Then Jason and Jacob Linnes, the market’s owners, agreed to begin donating basic perishable items such as produce and dairy that were in usable condition. Our clients have been thrilled and grateful.

Sadly, the recent power outages caused major food losses at Island Market and other food establishments. But the market staff saved what they could and gave us many pounds of products that were perfectly good but no longer salable. They knew that our new generator, purchased last year with community help, would let us keep the products safe and usable by our clients.

In addition to the market’s generous help, farmers, restaurants, bakeries, home gardeners, and you in the community contribute fresh food, staples, and special treats to our supplies. As a result, our Food Bank can provide some of the healthiest, most varied, freshest food offerings of any in our region. We’re happy to arrange a tour if you’re interested.

So we want to express our deepest gratitude to all the businesses, farmers, and individuals on Orcas who support us with food, monetary donations, and time and effort. And we want to thank Island Market in particular, because they support the Food Bank and this community in so many ways. We encourage you to thank them as well.