'It's really a village here in Tenino': City celebrates food bank relocation

May 18-While the weather may not have been cooperating, dozens of locals still came out on Friday, May 15, for the ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the relocation of the Tenino Community Service Center and Tenino Food Bank Plus.

Previously, the food bank was located at 224 Sussex Ave. E. in Tenino, but it was moved to a newer and bigger space about a half mile west to 798 Sussex Ave. W.

The ribbon cutting began with a U.S. flag dedication from area veterans who were part of the region's local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 318, as many local veterans often use the food bank. Following the flag dedication, Tenino Area Chamber of Commerce President Cheryl Pearce thanked attendees for coming out despite the rain.

"This is a great turnout for this kind of weather," Pearce said. "It's really amazing to see who came out to support the ribbon cutting, but it's bigger than that. It's really a village here in Tenino."

Tenino Mayor Dave Watterson thanked those involved with the process of moving along with those who renovated the food bank's new building, which was owned by the City of Tenino.

"The building wasn't in great shape. They came in and did a lot of refurbishment," Watterson said.

Tenino Community Service Center Executive Director Jody Stoltz also thanked everyone for attending the ribbon cutting.

"Thank you," she said while fighting back tears, and adding members of the local granges, state fisheries and fire department had also been working to help stock the food bank with locally grown produce, fruit and locally raised fish.

"We distribute this fish a lot to our seniors, and we can't keep it, it's gone quickly," Stoltz added.

She also thanked the many volunteers who help her run and keep the food bank open.

The food bank is open from 9 a.m. to noon every Tuesday and Thursday, with extended hours before Thanksgiving and Christmas.

For more information on the Tenino Community Service Center and Tenino Food Bank Plus, visit its website at https://teninocsc.org/ or follow it on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TeninoFoodBankPlus.

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