Orcas Pride and the spirit of inclusivity

||| FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AMANDA SPARKS, OIFB COMMUNICATIONS TEAM, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, AND STAFF OF ORCAS ISLAND FOOD BANK |||  

In the spirit of celebrating diversity and togetherness, we hold a special place in our hearts for the vibrant Orcas Pride Fest and the inclusivity it represents. On June 8th, board member Dr. Evan Buxbaum and his daughter Naia, both volunteers, set up our colorful tent at the 4th annual Pride event.

This is our second year being invited to have a table at Pride, and we could not be happier to be included. At the event, we talked with folks about our resources, offered suggestions about other services, and passed out apples kindly donated to us for the occasion.

Being part of Orcas Pride, standing alongside remarkable island organizations, was an honor for us. We believe in fostering connections and empowering our community through education and advocacy, standing strong as advocates for inclusivity. Together, united in our diversity and strength, we shine brighter, uplift each other, and create a community where all are seen and embraced.

“Thank you so much for being there for those who need food.”
— Food Bank customer

Data Dedication Illuminate Food Bank’s Impact
Mary Heydron, our office manager, goes far beyond basic administrative duties. She also creates systems to track our data. This tracking allows us to make informed decisions that better support those we serve. The data we collect ranges from customer demographics and the busiest distribution times to how many cases of carrots we go through in a week. This information ensures we offer the best support, manage our budget wisely, and apply for much-needed grant funding.

In May, we distributed 21,931 pounds of food to 29 infants, 246 youth, 607 adults, and 247 seniors. 11,666 pounds of food were donated in May, with 3,331 pounds coming from our community. Grant funding allowed us to purchase an additional 10,283 pounds of Washington State food. Creating a cohesive shopping environment by integrating donated items and supplementing them with purchased items is a real challenge, but we strive to do our best in the ever-changing landscape of the food bank model. Careful tracking helps us meet individual needs as best we can.

We look forward to sharing monthly service updates with you moving forward.

Juneteenth and the Power of Food as Storyteller
Juneteenth reflects the Food Bank’s core values of community empowerment and inclusivity. This significant day commemorates the emancipation of enslaved individuals in the United States, resonating deeply with our mission to honor and uplift all in our community.

Traditional Juneteenth meals symbolize resilience and preservation, highlighting the power of food in honoring African and Black stories, culture, and traditions. This rich connection between food and cultural heritage aligns perfectly with our commitment to celebrating diversity within our community and promoting dignity and respect for all.

What better way to come together and share stories than around a table filled with nourishing food among friends and neighbors? Juneteenth reminds us of the strength found in unity, diversity, and the power of breaking bread together. As we embrace this occasion, we continue to foster connections, celebrate our differences, and empower our community through the shared experience of tasty food and rich conversations.

“Wow, it’s really busy today. It seems like every time I come in here lately it’s been busy.”
— Food Bank customer

Fueling Hope, One Recurring Gift at a Time
Our recurring donors are the heartbeat of our organization. Their unwavering support creates a ripple effect of nourishment and Inspiration throughout our community.

With their ongoing commitment, recurring donors enable us to plan and allocate resources with precision, ensuring a consistent flow of support to our neighbors in need. Each recurring donation not only provides essential sustenance but also fuels the stability and growth of our programs.

We are launching a new campaign to grow our family of recurring donors at the Food Bank. We will be inviting you to join this movement and be part of something truly special. By offering donation opportunities at all levels, we aim to create a space where everyone can be part of the nourishing and supportive work we do together.

Ready to make a difference right now? Please visit our donation page today. Simply choose an amount to donate and check the box for a recurring donation. Your support, no matter the size, makes a world of difference in our mission to foster connections and empower our community through education and advocacy.

Thank You!

We are an equal opportunity employer & provider.