The Nourishing Neighbor: Spring 2024

||| FROM ORCAS ISLAND FOOD BANK |||

Join Us in Building Healthier Futures
We’re excited to announce the launch of our newsletter, The Nourishing Neighbor. Our print version will come out twice a year—in the spring and fall, with monthly editions sent directly to your email!

To stay in the loop on the incredible work you help make possible, head over to orcasislandfoodbank.org. There, you’ll find a simple sign-up form where you can register to receive our monthly newsletter.

Pea Patch Campus Update
Exciting news! With the Pea Patch property secured, planning for the social services co-campus is underway. Rep. Debra Lekanoff’s amazing work secured $360,000 from the state for planning and community engagement. We hosted a series of community workshops on April 5-6 to gather ideas for the campus. Together, we’re shaping a thriving space for our island family, bringing health and wellbeing to the forefront. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to grow together!

GiveOrcas Is Coming
We know that food and music can bring different cultures together, so help us throw a summer fiesta filled with mariachi music and delicious tacos. Let’s celebrate the rich diversity of our community. Your input during this event will be invaluable as we focus on gathering feedback from our Hispanic neighbors.

Help us raise $5,000 from May 8th through the 15th to bring this vibrant celebration to life. Every donation, big or small, will make a difference in creating an inclusive and unforgettable experience!

Hand in Hand with Island Market
With 512 households needing help, our allies are the roots of our community’s wellbeing. Island Market, a family-owned grocery store serving us since 1897, exemplifies this connection.

Last year, the Food Bank’s collaboration with Island Market led to a donation of 33,276 pounds of food. By redirecting usable food to those in need and repurposing leftovers for animal feed and compost, we cut down on food waste and contribute to SJC’s regenerative food system.

With our new commercial kitchen at the Pea Patch campus, we’ll expand our soup-making program to save even more food. Island Market, thank you for being an extraordinary ally.

“I love that you give out recipes here. It’s really helpful, like when you made a note about kohlrabi, really great.”
—Food Bank Customer

“I’ve lived here a long time, and I remember when very few people felt comfortable coming to the food bank, even though they needed it. I’m so glad to see how that has changed.”
—Food Bank Customer

Growing Together with the Plant Start Program
Our incredible Plant Start Program is more than just giving out vegetable starts; it’s about empowering our community to grow their own food and nourish their bodies and souls.

By learning how to grow your own veggies, you know where your food comes from and enjoy fresher, more wholesome produce. And let’s not forget about the positive impact on mental health—there’s something therapeutic about tending to your own garden and watching your efforts bloom into delicious, nutritious goodness.

If you have plant starts you wish to donate, please drop them off Monday-Friday at the Food Bank. Let’s grow and thrive together!

Help our Neighbors Eat Well & Thrive by Donating Today! You can donate at orcasislandfoodbank.org.

Thank You!
From Amanda Sparks, Executive Director, and our Board of Directors & Staff