By Dennis Box

The Courier-Herald

The Bonney Lake Food Bank is expanding its hours as a trial program.

Director Melvain Donyes said the plan is to open the food bank from 5 to 7 p.m. the last Friday of the month beginning April 28.

&#8220We hope to be able to open every Friday night,” Donyes said. &#8220We will start off with the last Friday of the month to see how well it works.”

Donyes said with the improving economy the numbers at the food bank are down about 5 percent.

&#8220We know some people are going back to work,” Donyes said. &#8220We are hoping opening Friday will help these people when they don't have to work.”

The food back will give basic food like cereal, spaghetti noodles and stew to individuals or families in need. Families can pre-qualify for a supplemental food basket that can be picked up during normal hours, which are from 9:30 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Donations from churches, individuals, local schools and Bonney Lake area businesses Curves, Grocery Outlet and Target have helped the food bank maintain adequate stocks.

With the expanded hours the food bank is looking for volunteers who are able to help on Friday nights or during the weekday times and there will be more opportunities for drop-off donations.

The food bank provides supplemental food supplies for individuals or families, which are meant to last 21 days.

Donyes said the food is meant to be supplemental, not a replacement of adequate resources.

Dennis Box can be reached at dbox@courierherald.com.