In its Second Year, and still growing!

The Hunger Coalition implemented an innovative response to the increase in demand for food assistance in Blaine County in early 2009 - the Mobile Food Bank. This shift in organizational strategy created immediate relief for local individuals and families in need of assistance and resulted in the development of our current county-wide weekly food distribution system.

With the loss of so many jobs, many residents have found they are unable to meet Blaine County’s exceedingly high cost of living. Oftentimes food is the primary area where costs are cut deepest, resulting in hunger and even childhood malnutrition. By providing food to those in need, The Hunger Coalition can offer much needed relief and a sense of greater security to those facing so many difficulties on a daily basis.

• In 2009, we distributed more than 162,000 meals to the hungry in our community
• 45% of our food assistance clients are children under the age of 18
• 180-350 individuals and families receive food assistance every month

How Does the Mobile Food Bank work?

The Van is loaded with dry/canned goods, fresh produce and other perishable items, and frozen foods by volunteers at our Food Bank warehouse in Bellevue. Clients meet the van at a pre-determined distribution location, bringing with them bags in which to take home their groceries. Volunteers set up tables in a line with specific food groups at each. Clients check in with a staff member of volunteer and then proceed through the line, selecting from the foods available those items which are best suited to their personal preferences and those of their family. We strive to respect the dignity of our clients and offer them as much control over their food selection as possible. The Food Bank Punch Card informs the staff and volunteers on hand the quantities of each item the client is allowed to take home.

Mobile Food Bank Volunteers commit to a once-a-week, three-month program and are specifically trained for this position. TO learn more about how you can become a member of a Mobile Food Bank Team, please email or call Naomi Spence at 788-0121, ext. 303 or read more on our Volunteer Page.

To Receive Food Assistance:

Please call Lorena Horne or Meagan Stasz at 788-0121 to make an appointment to receive a Food Bank Punch Card.

Para Participar en Nuestro Banco de Comida Mobil:

Comunicate con Lorena Horne o Meagan Stasz at 788-0121 para hacer una cita y recibir una tarjeta para recibir alimentos.

The Client Screening Process:

We now have the ability to meet with clients in a private office to discuss their unique circumstances, help refer to them to appropriate community agencies for support, and determine their food needs.

• Clients receive a Food Bank Punch Card that entitles them to a pre-determined quantity of food every week.
• Clients may attend any Food Bank location, but are limited to one per week.
• Clients continue to meet with our staff while receiving food assistance in an effort to set personal goals, establish functional family budgets, introduce educational and employment opportunities, and provide the necessary support and guidance.

The Hunger Coalition’s goal is to move people out of the cycles of hunger and poverty and toward economic stability by connecting them with both food and other resources.