By Judy Halone-The Courier-Herald

The Bonney Lake Food Bank has announced the selection of its new director.

Stu Bowen, 53, accepted the directorship from outgoing director Melvain Donyes, who has resigned from his two-year tenure to move to Wisconsin with his family.

&#8220I am very pleased to announce that Stu will be the new director,” Donyes said.

Bowen is a lifetime Bonney Lake resident and grew up on property that is now the site of Albertsons shopping center. His extensive work with the community includes serving as volunteer assistant chaplain at Pierce County Jail in Tacoma from 1997 to 2000 before being promoted to full-time paid staff - a position he is resigning from effective Tuesday. He also pastors Amazing Grace Ministries in Bonney Lake and directs the Bread of Life Food Bank in Prairie Ridge - and the latter position will help further both food banks' efforts, he said.

&#8220Although they are separate food banks, they are considered sister organizations,” Bowen said. &#8220We will be able to collaborate together and share surplus commodities, such as bread and meat.”

Bowen said that because he once fell on tough times as an independent trucker, he can relate to food bank recipients' situations.

&#8220I know what it feels like to be hungry,” he said. &#8220My family and I had to get help from the local food bank years ago, and now I have a chance to give back.”

As part of his leadership, Bowen hopes to expand the food banks' community outreaches by offering a Christian-based 12-step recovery program and resources to help individuals deal with past issues, he said.

&#8220I have a servant's heart,” Bowen said. &#8220I see this position as a greater opportunity to serve our community and to give people a hand up rather than a handout.”

Bowen said he believes those in need should be treated with respect.

&#8220As director, I feel the biggest needs will be to help instill hope in those whom we serve,” Bowen said. &#8220It is important to value them as a person. Just because they have to go to a food bank and are down on their luck or struggling - they still have meaning and are valued as individuals.”

He said local businesses and community organizations deserve a pat on the back. &#8220We would starve if it weren't for them,” he said.

Bowen said the food bank's greatest needs are finances that can enable its staff to purchase commodities that are not donated.

&#8220People sometimes forget that those who come to the food bank need laundry soap and toilet paper,” he said. &#8220Any time we can infuse into a person's family something they need to buy, that releases those funds to divert somewhere else, like the phone, water or power bill. It gives them an opportunity to get ahead.”

Bowen said he looks forward to continue working with his volunteer staff and in the community where he grew up.

&#8220We're always looking for organizations like youth and scouting groups, and high school seniors who need to fulfill their community service hours for culminating projects.”

The Bonney Lake Food Bank is at 18409 Sumner Buckley Highway and is open 9:30 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Judy Halone can be reached at jhalone@courierherald.com.