Fighting Hunger in the Community
What really builds a community? It’s more than attending local events. For volunteers at the Clatsop Emergency Food Bank, it means stepping up for those in need.
For over 50 years, this food pantry has been a lifeline in Astoria, operating from the First Presbyterian Church. Nancy Cole, a dedicated volunteer for 17 years, highlights the importance of this service. “I retired in 2008, and one of the members said, ‘It’s your turn to help!’ And I’ve been here ever since,” she shared.
Cole is the pantry’s secretary, often referred to as “the bread runner.” She collects day-old bread from local stores and keeps everything running smoothly. “We rely on donations from places like Fred Meyer and Safeway, as well as support from local grants,” she explained. These grants have even allowed them to stock personal hygiene products, expanding their offerings beyond food.
The heart of the pantry is its volunteers. Last month alone, 21 volunteers contributed 140 hours to help those in need. “We’re always looking for more hands,” Cole said.
Raymond Montgomery, another key volunteer, dedicates two days a week to this cause. He sees a range of clients, from families to individuals experiencing homelessness. “We embrace everyone who comes through our doors,” he mentioned. After moving from a job at Lockheed Martin, Montgomery found purpose in his new role. “It’s transformed me,” he added.
The pantry offers a variety of essential items, including bread, cereal, and hygiene products. Local support plays a big role in its success. “Recently, Franz Bakery donated seven racks of bread,” Montgomery noted. “Even local gardeners bring in fresh produce.”
However, the demand has increased lately. “We see more people needing help than ever,” Montgomery explained. Cuts to federal food assistance programs have made this situation worse. Since changes in funding, the pantry has noticed a gradual decrease in the food supplied by government programs. For example, last March saw a $500 million cut from the USDA budget for food banks, which hit local resources hard.
On a typical day, the pantry welcomes between four and 15 clients in just one hour. When clients arrive, they can choose their own food items, a system that makes them feel empowered. “We let them pick what they need based on their family size,” Cole said. This shopping-style approach respects their dignity.
Jo Black, a retired nurse and regular volunteer, shares the same passion for serving. She believes in helping without making it complicated. “We only ask their name, how many people they’re feeding, and their zip code. That keeps it simple,” she emphasized.
The Clatsop Emergency Food Bank operates Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. It’s a place where community spirit thrives and neighbors look out for one another. In a world where the demand for support is growing, it’s reassuring to see local heroes stepping up to battle hunger—with compassion and commitment.
For more information about food assistance programs and resources, you can visit the USDA’s official site at [USDA Food Assistance](https://www.usda.gov/food-aid). This site offers updates on government support and resources for those in need.
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Astoria,food bank,Food Pantry,USDA
