FOLLOWUP: Debut day for West Seattle Food Bank’s new ‘shopping’-type distribution model

dairycase
(WSB photos)

It’s a big day at West Seattle Food Bank headquarters at 35th/Morgan in High Point – the first day its clients are using the brand-new “shopping” model of distribution. We told you about it back in December; thanks to community generosity, everything’s installed, and the new system is up and running, almost tripling the distribution hours each week. We just visited for a quick tour. And indeed, just like a grocery store, the food available for distribution is now set out on shelves, in bins, and in coolers, so clients can go aisle to aisle to “shop” rather than just line up and pick up.

shelves

The signs over each section have color-coding to correspond to how many of each type of food item is available to a client, depending on how many people in her/his household.

colorcards

The donations making this possible come not only from individual community members but also from local businesses – for example, Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) donated shopping carts:

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And West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) joined forces with WSFB for a big food purchase at what WSFB executive director Fran Yeatts says was an excellent discount. What’s in stock comes from a variety of sources – what they buy and what’s donated through a variety of programs including gleaned produce and federally provided “emergency food” items.

produce

New distribution hours are 9 am-1 pm Tuesdays, noon-7 pm Wednesdays, 9 am-2 pm Thursdays, 10 am-2 pm Fridays. The Baby/Child Corner hours are still 4-7 pm Wednesdays and 10 am-1 pm Thursdays. Speaking of kids – they’re still accepting donations of these popular non-food items available to families:

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Other ways you can help the West Seattle Food Bank: Monetary donations are the most helpful, because they have extra purchasing power beyond even what the general public can get at discount stores; and your volunteering time is priceless – some shifts are still unfilled, and right now they’re also leaning heavily on volunteers to help explain the new system to clients.

P.S. (added Wednesday) – The WS Food Bank is having an open house 3-6 pm March 25th, so you can come see this firsthand. “Beverages and appetizers will be served. Bring your children, bring a friend, everyone is welcome!”

10 Replies to "FOLLOWUP: Debut day for West Seattle Food Bank's new 'shopping'-type distribution model"

  • fiz February 7, 2017 (4:10 pm)

    This is awesome!

    congratulations to Fran and crew, volunteers, board and donors.   Well done.  

  • Katie February 7, 2017 (8:32 pm)

    Wonderful!  What an amazing effort and result. It looks so welcoming. :)

  • Ben Wenter February 7, 2017 (9:57 pm)

    One additional way to help that I recently became aware of, bring in your receipts from West Seattle Thriftway, they match 1% of all purchases. A super easy way to help others with money you’re already spending. 

    • Gary February 8, 2017 (8:17 pm)

      They have a box at the door for the food bank you can drop your receipt as you leave.

  • Beth February 7, 2017 (11:17 pm)

    Thank you for being awesome WSFB!  You can also support them by shopping on Amazon.com via “Amazon Smile” where a percentage of all of your purchases are donated to the charity of your choice.  Mine goes here.  :)

  • Myrna February 8, 2017 (12:43 am)

    I volunteer at this great Food Bank. It’s totally efficient, welcoming and immaculate. Wonderful management. West Seattle camaraderie at its very best!

  • blbl February 8, 2017 (10:42 am)

    Beautiful!

  • Diane February 8, 2017 (12:18 pm)

    very exciting; look forward to checking it out; one question re listed hours; will senior day still be on Tuesday?  their website still shows Tues 9 to 1 as the day for seniors (55+) and general public on other days/times

    • WSB February 8, 2017 (1:06 pm)

      Don’t know – on the slip of paper with the new hours, Fran scratched that off, so I *believe* (but again, double-check) the expanded hours are all-ages.

  • Seabruce February 8, 2017 (11:05 pm)

    Great initiative! I hope it gives clients and volunteers more dignity, and less unwanted food.

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