Did you know that approximately 20 percent of the items found in the Polack Food Bank come from community-food bank partnerships?
These donations from local businesses are specialty products. They are considered non-necessity items and would not make the Food Bank budget. But they are extremely important to the individuals and families who rely on the Food Bank. Some community-food bank partnerships are sought out by JFS staff, while others are part of the company’s philanthropic philosophy. Many operate right in the vicinity of the Capitol Hill neighborhood.
“These items are staples for some of our populations. If we didn’t receive these donations, there would be no way we could afford to purchase them,” says Food Bank Manager Esther Magasis. “For example, kasha is a large part of the Russian diet. Extremely vulnerable, older refugees and immigrants from the former Soviet Union make up a large percentage of our clientele. Being able to have culturally appropriate food for them means a lot.”
Check out the variety of generous businesses that contribute and the products they donate!
Mud Bay: Bi-monthly donation of pet food, leashes and toys
Stumptown Coffee Roasters: Weekly donation of coffee
Central Co-op: Summer weekly donations of bread and produce and discounted bulk product
Tall Grass Bakery: Three times per week bread donation
Uwajimaya: Bi-monthly donation of specialty Asian food including spices, sauces, juice and produce
PCC Natural Markets: One time every other month donation of kasha and mung beans
VCA: Monthly donation of pet food
Einstein Bros. Bagels: Bi-weekly donation of bagels.
If your company would like to donate items to the Food Bank, please contact Food Bank Manager Esther Magasis at (206) 861-3174.
By Leslie Sugiura
Savvy cook, extreme clam digger, urban gardener and mom to Stella the dog are just a few of the titles Leslie Sugiura keeps in rotation. She’s also the Director of Special Events for JFS where she spearheads the annual Community of Caring Luncheon.
