Tri-Cities food banks face dwindling donations and volunteers with higher coronavirus demand

Much of the Tri-Cities community may be closed but that hasn’t stopped the need to feed the hungry.

It took less than an hour one day this week for Second Harvest volunteers and staff to load 250 food boxes into a long line of cars snaking up the block.

The food distribution was the first of its kind by the Pasco-based nonprofit to be offered directly from their warehouse to the trunks of people’s cars.

The pre-packed boxes held about 20 pounds of fresh, frozen and shelf-stable food.

And the Tri-Cities Food Bank is seeing similar demands around the area.

Both groups are in need of donations and volunteers to meet increased needs during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Jean Tucker, philanthropy manager for Second Harvest, said this week’s unprecedented turnout for the drive-thru food distribution was an indication that people want the help.

“We are always committed to getting healthy food out to people in need,” she said.

And beginning Saturday, March 28, Second Harvest will provide food for weekly distributions by Blue Mountain Action Council in Walla Walla. The distributions will be every Saturday to help people affected by the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Earlier this week, the Tri-Cities Food Bank temporarily closed its Richland branch to the public in order to consolidate operations to two locations.

Executive Director VJ Meadows said while the branch is closing to the public for now, they plan to resume normal services as soon as possible. Until then, all Richland food bank clients will be redirected to the Kennewick facility to pick up food.

“We are doing everything possible to keep our volunteers and clients safe,” she said.

The food bank is restricting facility access to volunteers only. As people arrive at the food banks, site managers will ask them what they need and then gather and deliver the items to the clients waiting in the parking lot.

Meadows says the precautions are meant to preserve the safety and health of the clients and volunteers alike.

“We don’t want to put anyone at risk unnecessarily,” she said.

Kennewick hours: Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. , 420 Deschute Ave.

Benton City hours: Wednewday 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.; Thursday noon – 2 p.m., and 6–8 p.m.

No need to register in advance.

Volunteers needed

Tri-Cities Food Bank locations are in need of high school and college-age students who are willing to volunteer. Many of the regular volunteers are in the portion of the population that is at higher risk of contracting the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

Volunteers can drop by the Tri-Cities Food Bank office at 420 W. Deschutes Ave, Kennewick and fill out an information sheet to be on-call.

People who are interested in volunteering at the Second Harvest warehouse can go to the website to sign up for specific jobs and time slots.

Donations needed

The food banks also need more food and monetary donations.

Meadows said financial donations are particularly helpful right now since many grocery stores are still bare and the food bank has the ability to buy food in bulk from wholesalers for a steeply discounted price.

The Tri-Cities Food Bank has created a PayPal account to accept monetary donations. Anyone interested in donating can send a message or call 509-582-0411 to receive a payment link. For inquiries about food donations, call their office number 509-586-0688 or check their Facebook page for updates.

Tucker, of Second Harvest, said that monetary donations allow for flexibility since the organization can decide which items would best serve community needs.

People can donate to Second Harvest by going to their website donation page. For food donations, Second Harvest has a bin to drop off shelf-stable food outside of their facility at 5825 Burlington Loop, Pasco.

Other Food Banks Open

The St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank at 215 S 6th Ave. Pasco, is still open and operating from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Kathy Henn, the food bank president, says the organization has seen a decline in clientele and wants to reassure the public that they are open and have plenty of food and resources for the community.

Also, the Tri-Cities Diaper Bank is still open and operating with more information about locations and services available through its website.

Renee Martin, a resource coordinator for the diaper bank, says that if anyone has questions or concerns to reach out to their phone number 509-946-8807.

This story was originally published March 27, 2020 at 12:52 PM.