Prior to the 1960's Vashon didn't have a food bank. Islanders relied on friends and family to get them through hard times. Islander Francis Blekkink was well known for keeping emergency supplies and food, and providing them free to anyone who needed help, out of her home. But the times they were a-changin, and by the early 70's the job had grown too big for Francis to handle herself. Pastor John Neal invited Francis to move her supplies into a closet at the Presbyterian church, and the food bank was born.

    During the Boeing slump of the late 70's, the increase in clients led to the appointment of our first director, Ted Vanderwheel. Later, Alice Martinez took over the leadership position and she worked to get grants and outside funding to meet the growing needs of the food bank.

    Alice faced a tough time getting donations, as many people at that time had preconceived notions about those in need. But Alice persevered, and helped to enlighten the island about the need for community support and help. Then, as today, the majority of clients were seniors and children who had little or no control over their situations. The food bank grew and Alice was able to procure a truck to pickup supplies from Northwest Harvest each week. By the end of the 80's public perception about food banks had changed, volunteers and donors were plentiful.

    The 1990's saw big changes for the food bank. Alice retired, a DSHS worker began coming from Seattle once a month to sign people up for food stamps, we were granted non-profit status, and in 1993, the food bank moved to it's current home at Sunrise Ridge. The former military base offered us a bigger space, which today has grown to include a separate building for office space as well as an organic garden.
    
    We continue to accommodate the growing needs of the island. Back when Francis began her generous endeavor, her visitors were few, and the island had a population of about 5,000 people. Today, the island has doubled it's population, and we distributed nearly a quarter of a million meals last year. We have a full time director and two part time staff members, dozens of volunteers, and thousands of donors who range from preschoolers to seniors, from those who write big checks, to those clients who wait in line each week, and freely donate their spare change when they can.

    The food bank will continue to grow and change as the island grows and changes. But one thing remains the same. Volunteers are the heart of the food bank. From the closet of one woman who saw a way to help, to the volunteers of today who help feed 200 or so families each week, each volunteer carries the spirit of generosity and compassion that has built, grown, and maintained our food bank.




Special thanks to Hazel Theis for her help with this page.