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Local food bank reports rising senior need, readies warehouse as volunteers and donors respond
Summary
Tenino food‑bank representative told council SNAP participation rose among seniors and demand is growing for larger household distributions; the group has nearly completed warehouse heating and is coordinating volunteer pickups and community donation drives this week.
At the Nov. 11 meeting, Jody, speaking for the local food bank, told the Tenino City Council and audience that SNAP participation for people aged 55 and older rose from about 780 to 852 between September and October. She described an increase in larger households seeking assistance, higher costs for fuel and vehicle maintenance related to food pickups, and the need for volunteers to collect and distribute food.
Jody said the food bank procured some state‑released funds intended to help pay for transportation and purchases, and that those funds helped buy food and offset fuel costs. She gave an operational update: warehouse heating was almost installed, and remaining electrical and some plumbing work must be finished before the building is fully operational. Jody invited councilmembers to participate in a local food drive on Thursday and asked for help coordinating transportation, especially for elderly people who cannot drive.
Council members thanked Jody and discussed coordination with churches and other community partners for evening meal programs and Thanksgiving events. The council and volunteers were encouraged to reach out to seniors and help arrange pickups as needed.
What’s next: The food bank will continue final installations at the warehouse and coordinate volunteer support for upcoming donation and meal events.
