The Sumner Food Bank is expanding its distribution to clients in the coming month. Tuesday night distributions will be added to the weekly roster, and clients will be able to come in for food twice a month compared against past once-per-month entrance.

Need for the food bank’s services is growing, Director Tim Tallon said, rising from approximately 175 clients in 2008 to more than 300 in 2011. Many incoming clients don’t have experience receiving outside assistance.

“I had a guy coming in driving an Escalade and wearing a business suit, and my first thought was ‘This guy doesn’t need our services,'” Tallon said. “He said his car was about to be repossessed, his house was in foreclosure; he had a job interview that day, and he literally had to choose between putting gas in the car or stocking his pantry.

“It’s not necessarily appearance that tells a person’s financial picture.”

The food bank, originally established by Sumner Rotary’s purchase of warehouse space, is an independently operated aid organization. It brings in food from sources as varied as WinCo, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and Moseby Farms. Its bulk purchasing power is such that $2 can feed a family of four for three days.

Prior to the distribution expansion, the food bank took clients once a month, and was open Monday, Tuesday and Friday mornings, as well as Thursday evenings 5-7 p.m.

First-time clients must come in with an identification card and proof of residency, even if its something indirect like a utilities bill. However, no one is turned away without food. Out-of-towners will leave with food and a reference to their closest food bank.

Everyone receives butter, meat and a half-gallon of milk. Clients can also select hygiene products, breads, produce, and even pet food.

“One thing I tell people is that this is a food bank (emphasis),” Tallon said. “Its not a handout, it’s nothing to be embarrassed about, it’s a simple business transaction. You take food out when you need it, and when things get better you can put food back in.”