By Teresa Herriman
The Courier-Herald
The Bonney Lake Food Bank has no plans to distribute annual Thanksgiving food baskets this year. The reason is a significant increase of clients seeking services, food bank bookkeeper Sharon Chavers said.
Even at the best sale prices, Chavers estimates it would cost $600 for 60 turkeys. That money would have to come from the funds used to buy food for regular clients, something the food bank simply can't justify, she added.
"We've been getting four to six new clients every day we're open," Chavers said. "As fast as we stock, it's gone."
Nov. 9, for example, the food bank had already seen a number of new clients and served 22 families before 11 a.m.
The Bonney Lake Food Bank is a ministry of the Lakeridge Christian Center and a member of the Emergency Food Network. It has been providing food baskets to Bonney Lake residents for more than 25 years.
Qualifying Bonney Lake residents receive a food basket once a month. Government commodities are available to anyone twice a month. Clients are always welcome to the bread, provided by Safeway and Albertson's, and fresh produce delivered Tuesdays by the Emergency Food Network.
Donations are still coming. A number of schools and organizations are planning food drives for November and December.
According to Ann Cook, communications director for Sumner School District, Victor Falls Elementary began its food drive at the first of the month and will continue through December. Bonney Lake Elementary traditionally sponsors a drive closer to December.
Dieringer Heights Elementary School is also planning a food drive.
Chavers said the food bank is in particular need of stews, chili and canned spaghetti. Tomato sauce, soup, crackers, pasta, tuna, cereal and canned fruits and vegetables also are appreciated.
The food bank is accepting donations for Christmas baskets. They will be collecting gifts for the Toys for Tots program again this year.
The Bonney Lake Food Bank is at 18409 Sumner-Buckley Hwy., near the city's Public Safety Building. It is open from 9:30 a.m. to noon Tuesday through Friday.
Teresa Herriman can be reached at therriman@courierherald.-com.
