Written by Jack Taylor
Each week, the Bellingham Food Bank feeds around 4,500 families throughout Whatcom County, providing staples like pasta, canned fish, peanut butter, and fruits and veggies. During times of crisis, organizations like the food bank are more essential than ever.
Like most businesses, the food bank has had to adapt to life amid Covid-19. Mike Cohen, the executive director of the food bank, says the decision to move to a new food delivery system was necessary to protect the public as well as staff and volunteers.
“We felt the need to switch five weeks ago to more of a drive-up or walk-out model which allows for better social distancing,” Cohen says. The food bank also does home deliveries each Friday.
People can now pick up food from Shuksan Middle School on Tuesdays, Christ the King Church on Wednesdays, and at Civic Field on Thursdays. At each location, people drive up and wait in line to receive a prepackaged box of food from a volunteer. No person-to-person contact is necessary, and a walk or bike-up option accommodates those without a vehicle.
As for what the community can do to help, Cohen hopes people will donate money rather than giving food directly.
“It feels probably better internally to drop food off at a food bank than to mail a check or make an online donation, but as much as I want that food, I’d rather the donor not [risk exposure],” Cohen says.
You can learn more about Bellingham Food Bank on their website.
Where and when to pick up food:
Tuesdays | 1-4 pm
Shuksan Middle School Parking Lot, 2717 Alderwood Ave.
Wednesdays | 3-6 pm
Christ the King Church Parking Lot, 4173 Meridian St.
Thursdays | 1-4 pm
Civic Athletic Complex, 1355 Civic Field Way