Partner Program Highlight: Buckley Kiwanis Food Bank
Buckley Kiwanis Food Bank has grown a lot from its humble beginnings in the closet of a senior center in 1978. 44 years later, the food bank serves over 4,000 people annually from a new location at Buckley Hall, where they utilize vastly increased storage space. What hasn’t changed is their mission to serve the Buckley community and beyond. Buckley Kiwanis is proud to say people are never turned away from the food bank, a fact that has stayed true because the staff and volunteers have never ceased their efforts to serve the community, even during the pandemic. EFN is proud to partner with Buckley Kiwanis Food Bank to ensure that no person goes hungry in Pierce County.
Buckley Kiwanis has been able to keep its doors open all these years because of its 42 dedicated volunteers who see themselves as more of a close family than just fellow volunteers. One particularly devoted volunteer, Carl Lee, has even volunteered at the food bank since its first days over 40 years ago. He uses his past work experience as a grocery store clerk to sort produce the food bank receives for distribution.
When guests come inside Buckley Kiwanis Food Bank, they are greeted with familiar, smiling faces. After providing some basic information, they pick out a few items from the front shelves containing sauces, spices, and hygiene items. A monthly bag of foods like eggs, butter, cheese, and meat may also be placed in their grocery cart. On the day we visited, the food bank was able to provide fish like crab, lobster, and salmon! In the next room, another volunteer helps guests choose what they would like from shelves of bread, baked goods, drinks, and snacks. Finally, they pick up a box full of beautiful, colorful fruits and vegetables to enjoy for the week. If needed, there is also an opportunity to talk to someone about community resources they may be eligible to utilize.
Nothing goes to waste at Buckley Kiwanis Food Bank. Donna, the facility manager, has an impressive system in place to make sure of that fact. She takes the time to label each can and food item with its expiration date and sort the items accordingly, which is no small feat! Even when things do expire, she calls local farmers to pick up the food to ensure it still serves a purpose.
The food bank is open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. If you would like to join their dedicated volunteer force, please get in touch with Donna at grammygarland@yahoo.com. We are so honored to partner with you and the wonderful work you do to feed our community, Buckley Kiwanis Food Bank!