Mount Si food bank provides a helping hand, not a handout
July 30, 2010
By Laura Geggel
By Laura Geggel and Christopher Huber
NEW — 7:00 a.m. July 30, 2010
Dinora Barahona (left), of North Bend, picks out food while volunteer Denise Angrisano assists July 21 at the Mount Si Helping Hand Food Bank. (Photo by Christopher Huber)
Juan Carlos Giron waited in line with about a dozen other Valley residents July 21 as the morning sun hit the east wall of the Mount Si Helping Hand Food Bank.
Giron is originally from El Salvador, he said, but he has lived in North Bend for about two years since moving from Los Angeles, then Federal Way. He loves it here because of its tranquil atmosphere, he said in Spanish — he speaks enough English to get by, though. And he has some friends in the Valley.
Giron and friend Dinora Barahona are among dozens of locals who depend on food bank services each week.
Giron, who works at a hotel in Seattle, has had intermittent work since the economy tanked and said he struggles to pay bills and maintain a healthy diet. Adding to the struggle, he is trying to support his wife in El Salvador, who is in the process of getting her visa, he said.
Being able to pick up a weekly supply of fresh fruits, veggies, beans and various other staple foods alleviates a little bit of the financial pressure, he and Barahona said as they stood in line together.
If the food bank didn’t exist, “it wouldn’t necessarily affect us, but it’s necessary for the whole group,” Giron said.
Like others who use the food bank, Giron said the initial decision to get help with food was difficult.
“We had a little fear,” he said in Spanish.
But what made the decision easier after his first visit was that the volunteers, who come from a rotating lineup of area churches and community groups, were there to help others no matter what their background or current situation is, he said.
“They don’t judge. The people are very nice, they’re servants, they want to help. They feel the harmony and the love for all the people,” Giron said. “I think there shouldn’t be any barrier or border” between people.
More like shopping
Food bank patrons filed through a side door as volunteers stood behind counters full of canned goods, meats, produce and other food items. The North Bend food bank differs from area food banks in that it provides a shopping-style experience. It’s free, of course, but those in need are able to select what they want in a market-like setting, rather than simply showing up, grabbing a bag of assorted things and leaving.
“I love the freshness, the people, too,” Giron said. “They love without distinction or discrimination.”
Heidi Dukich, the food bank’s manager, highlighted that mentality among the volunteers and employees.
“If you’re hungry, you’re just hungry,” she said. “We’re not going to judge.”
At the back of the line, Robin Irvin and her teenage daughter cooed over a furry stray kitten a food bank volunteer had found and placed in a box.
Irvin said she started using the food bank last summer after her marriage of 16 years ended.
When she started using the food bank, Irvin said she felt embarrassed. But as time wore on, her embarrassment changed to relief and thanks.
“We personally like it,” Irvin said. With food from the bank, “I made mac and cheese just last week, and to make it go further, I put a little chili in it.”
Irvin said she also receives help from Hopelink, the senior center and St. Vincent De Paul Society, which gives her hotel vouchers.
“Everybody needs help, and if everybody needs help, give help,” Irvin said.
The morning wore on, and more people came to the food bank, picking up cardboard boxes as makeshift shopping carts. Wendy and Ken, a Snoqualmie couple who declined to give their last name, said they learned about the food bank from a friend.
Ken said they started using it after he got laid off from his plumbing job.
“This helps a lot if you have a grocery bill that’s $70, $80 or $90 a week,” Ken said.
Every Wednesday, they come to the Mount Si Helping Hand Food Bank, take their groceries home to put them in the refrigerator, and drive to another food bank in Fall City, where they volunteer.
Ken said he’s been searching craigslist for job opportunities, but hasn’t received many replies.
“I don’t know if it’s my age or something, but I’ve been plumbing for 30 years,” he said.
Still, Ken contends that he has much to be thankful for. His car is paid for and he has a place to live. If he can’t find plumbing work soon, he might switch professions, working as a custodian, perhaps.
As summer tends to be lean for food bank donations, for those interested in supporting the Mount Si Helping Hand Food Bank, Dukich recommends donating cash.
“Money is our most efficient resource,” she said.
Christopher Huber: 392-6434, ext. 242, or chuber@isspress.com. Laura Geggel: 392-6434, ext. 221, or lgeggel@snovalleystar.com.
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