Food bank triples space

Community Action Partnership recently moved the food bank portion of the organization  next door to the office located at 7164 4th St. in Bonners Ferry.

The food bank has tripled its space and just in time, according to Christine Villanueva, community engagement liaison with Community Action Partnership.

Donations are coming in steady and it is going to be needed this year, Villanueva said.

“Already we have seen an increase of people in the community in need of about 15 to 20 percent,” she said.

The non-profit organization on has received 75 applications for Thanksgiving food baskets and applications will be accepted for another week.

“It is a great difference,” said Villanueva.  “We are doing pretty good on food right now, but that could change quickly when the seasonal workers are laid off and when Welco closes.   We are expecting at least a 40 percent increase, and by January I think we will be feeling it.”

The food bank has been re-organized with shelves and extra space.  Villanueva said this gives the organization more opportunity to store more food for the upcoming holiday and winter season.

Villanueva said the organization is in need of another freezer.  Curves and the Boy Scouts are having turkey drives this week, and people have been dropping off turkeys.

“As far as Thanksgiving we are still in need of stuffing, cranberry sauce, fresh potatoes, yams, sweet potatoes and olives,” said Villanueva.  “After this weekend we will know better where we stand for the holiday.”

The Kootenai Tribe of Idaho also donated $500 to the holiday fund.

“I am just really grateful for the community support we have been receiving,” said Villanueva.  “I hope to continue to serve the community with their help over the winter.”

For information call Villanueva at 267-3663.