Tri-Area Food Bank to Become a Distribution Hub and Offer Updated Services to Clients
The Jefferson County Food Bank Association (JCFBA) is increasing its warehousing capacity, expanding accessibility, and shifting to a grocery shopping/client choice model at its Tri-Area location at 760 Chimacum Road in Port Hadlock.
Taking over distribution and warehousing from OlyCAP
JCFBA has been relying on warehousing and distribution services through OlyCAP for many years but has been preparing to take over these functions seamlessly as needed. OlyCAP recently shuttered its pantry operations and will be closing down food warehousing and distribution services sometime this fall, having terminated two key contracts with the Washington Department of Agriculture (WSDA). In the coming weeks, the Tri-Area location will install additional refrigeration and freezer capacity, back-up generators, and a loading dock to allow for larger trucks to deliver directly to the distribution warehouse on the site.
Converting Tri-Area service to a ‘grocery shopping’ experience for clients
Starting July 1, the Tri-Area Food Bank will be offering walk-in service to all clients. Since the COVID-19 lockdowns in early 2020, this location has been operating as a drive-through pantry with limited opportunity for clients to choose the foods they want. The walk-in format will offer a grocery shopping experience with volunteer assistance. The food banks in Port Townsend and Quilcene currently offer a similar format. Plans are also underway to expand accessibility to all food banks through pre-order and pick-up services.
These changes will enhance services, help meet the growing demand for food bank services and ensure continuity of distribution across our network of locations in Brinnon, Quilcene, and Port Townsend, and the mobile pantry in Coyle. The JCFBA currently serves more than 3,300 households per month, which is approximately 20% of the population in Jefferson County. This represents a 23% increase in services over the last year.
“Our four food banks are a part of critical infrastructure, not just for those who come to us for assistance but for the community as a whole. These investments strengthen our position as a community partner in addressing food security and help us become more self-sufficient and nimbler” said Patricia Hennessy, Executive Director.
How you can help
You can help us serve our community with monetary donations online at www.jcfba.org or by mailing a check to PO Box 124, Port Hadlock, WA, 98339. We are also always looking for volunteers, including help organizing food drives. Please email info@jcfba.org and put Volunteer in the subject line. If you are considering organizing a food drive or donating food, please visit our website and review our policy on what we can and cannot accept (https://jcfba.org/donate).
JCFBA provides nutritious food with dignity, respect, and care to anyone in our community in need.
Jefferson County Food Bank Association
Port Hadlock, WA
Contact: Patricia Hennessy, Executive Director
c: 360-979-3386
e: patricia@jcfba.org
