The North County Food Bank in Wheeler, Oregon, welcomed clients to its new temporary home Tuesday, trading a basement location for a brighter, more efficient space just across the parking lot. The new location is in the former Nehalem Bay Clinic and Pharmacy at 230 Rowe Street in Wheeler. “We appreciate that Nehalem Bay Health District was able to lease this space to us,” said incoming Board President Jeannette Woodhull.
Volunteers who have been packing food boxes for years noted the difference. “The setup is very efficient,” said Tracy, a longtime volunteer. “The space is so much brighter. It’s nice to be out of the basement.”
Volunteers using the new setup were able to serve clients quickly and efficiently. The food bank opened its doors at noon and by 12:13, 26 tags had been pulled and 18 tags had been called. In recent months, the Food Bank served about 60 families per week, a significant increase over last year.
The transition happened quickly, thanks to dedicated volunteers. “The move team did a great job of getting the new area laid out for packing food boxes,” said volunteer Randy Cruse.
While the new facility is smaller than the previous location, volunteers say they’re adapting well to the change. “It’s amazing and so cheery,” said Helen Hill, another volunteer. “The space is a little smaller than what we’re used to, but we’re figuring it out. Everyone just seems more upbeat.”
Jeanette Woodhull, volunteer incoming board president, says the move has been successful with just a few small kinks to work out. “We were here late practicing with the carts and the corners in the hallway.” Volunteers went from working in 5000 square feet to 785 square feet.
The move marks a season of change for the North County Food Bank and its volunteers. The Food Bank board is working to develop property behind the Hope Chest on Highway 101 in Nehalem. The first phase includes bringing utilities to the site and renovating an existing shop building to serve as the food bank. “Right now, we’re waiting on Tillamook County to approve a building permit so we can get started,” said board member Jenny Greenleaf.
Crog, a food bank client, pointed to the continuing need for local food assistance. “I’ve heard that the federal government is reducing food stamps, so we really need our food banks now,” he said.
If the federal government shutdown continues, SNAP (food stamps) benefits will not be distributed in November. The Food Bank will do as much as they can to fill the gap. Those interested in making a donation to the North County Food Bank can visit https://www.northtillamookcountyfoodbank.org/donate.