Food Bank And Community Gardens With Kitsap Public Health District
- Food Bank and Community Gardens with Kitsap Public Health District
Food Bank Gardens
Kitsap County is lucky to have three food banks that sustain gardens: Bremerton Foodline, North Kitsap Fishline, and South Kitsap Helpline. Purchased in 2010, Helpline enjoys a particularly voluptuous nursery and is run by Master Gardeners, staff, and volunteers. A portion of the produce and veggie starts grown in the greenhouse are for sale to create revenue while the rest provide aid to other local food banks and non-profit gardens. However, the majority goes straight to Helpline clients. They grow a variety of fresh produce, starts, herbs, and flowers, and encourage people to drop by. On a wider scale, Helpline Nursey is linked with the Fred Meyers rewards program in order to broaden the message. Click here to link your account and benefit the food bank.
A successful food bank garden:
- Is managed by a Master Gardener, horticulture specialist, or a team with green thumbs
- Grows produce which appeals to clients
- Provides resources such as recipes and nutrition information
- Empowers and educate clients and volunteers about the process of growing your own food
Community Garden Recovery
Diary of a Non-Gardener
Food Bank And Community Gardens
Food Bank Gardens
Kitsap County is lucky to have three food banks which sustain gardens: Bremerton Foodline, North Kitsap Fishline, and South Kitsap Helpline. Purchased in 2010, Helpline enjoys a particularly voluptuous nursery and is run by Master Gardeners, staff, and volunteers. A portion of the produce and veggie starts grown in the greenhouse are for sale to create revenue while the rest provide aid to other local food banks and non-profit gardens. However, the majority goes straight to Helpline clients. They grow a variety of fresh produce, starts, herbs, and flowers, and encourage people to drop by. On a wider scale, Helpline Nursey is linked with the Fred Meyers rewards program in order to broaden the message. Click here to link your account and benefit the food bank.
A successful food bank garden:
- Is managed by a Master Gardener, horticulture specialist, or a team with green thumbs
- Grows produce which appeals to clients
- Provides resources such as recipes and nutrition information
- Empowers and educate clients and volunteers about the process of growing your own food
Community GardenRecovery
Diary of a Non-Gardener
Luckily, time is on my side. The garden has been put to bed for the season which gives me time to browse organic seed catalogues, research storm water management and native plant pollination, and subjectively the most important part: identify volunteers who will help maintain. I feel a bit like the Little Red Hen.
Program Brings Farmers’ Produce To Food Bank Shelves
Those who use food banks in Kitsap County want fresh produce.
Things like broccoli and cauliflower and leafy greens and spinach and blueberries, all of those things that they may or may not see a lot of, said Diane Fish, with the Kitsap Conservation District. And garlic, they really wanted garlic.”
Kitsap County farmers have been able to fulfill those requests through a program launched in Kitsap County this year called “Farm to Food Pantry.”
The conservation district connects with farmers through the program, giving them “micro-contracts” of $300-$500 that allow farmers to buy seeds, equipment and whatever else is needed to provide nutritionally dense fruits and veggies to food banks participating in the program.
Seventeen counties in the state participate in the program, and funding comes from the Washington State Department of Agriculture.
A grant announced on Tuesday will help jump-start the second year of the program in Kitsap County.
Produce grown by Mission Creek inmates at the conservation districts GRACE Gardens goes to food banks as part of the program. The program determines what to plant based on surveys of food bank clients.
Since they really wanted garlic, Fish said, “we planted garlic at our food bank garden.
Nearly 70,000 pounds were collected for food banks in 2019 between produce that was donated, gleaned, and brought in from the Kitsap Conservation District, Fish said.
This allows us to provide them with some cash flow in the winter, she said.
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Helping Hands Food Pantry
Helping Hands is a faith-based 501 food pantry operated around Kitsap, Washington almost entirely by volunteers.
It provides a 7-day supply of groceries and personal care items free of charge to people in need, regardless of their religious beliefs.
Helping Hands is supported entirely by donations from individuals, service organizations, churches, and businesses in our community.
We have located 0 Helping Hand Food Pantry locations in Kitsap, Washington which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Mobile Food Pantry Schedule 2023
Unlike traditional food pantries where you go to them, mobile pantry trucks come to you. Food banks sometimes have an online mobile food pantry schedule.
Mobile food pantry scheduled to visit a community once a week or once a month. There may be last-minute cancellations or changes so recheck the mobile food pantry schedule before you plan to go.
We have located 0 Mobile Food Pantry locations in Kitsap, Model.Content.StateName which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
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What Is The Farm To Food Pantry Initiative
Farm to Food Pantry is a partnership between WSDA Food Assistance and Harvest Against Hunger founded in 2014. The initiative helps strengthen community-based food systems by supporting local farmers, hunger relief organizations, and their clients. The primary goal of F2FP is to support local, small-scale farmers while increasing access to nutrient-dense and nourishing foods for Washingtonians facing food insecurity.Hunger relief organizations apply and receive funding to set up wholesale contracts and purchase from local farmers. Since hunger relief organizations do their own purchasing, food banks can tailor purchases to client needs and build long-term relationships with local growers. These connections encourage farmers, farmers markets, and food hubs to donate unsold produce and allow for gleaning, further improving client access to healthy foods.As WSDA’s main partner, HAH provides technical support through monthly cohort meetings, templates for farm contracting, fundraising resources, tips for client and community engagement, and supplemental funding for food purchases. Local F2FP agencies may be eligible for additional support from HAHs AmeriCorps VISTA programs.Participating organizations leverage their F2FP funding to solicit matching funds from community donors.
Weve Been Nourishing Neighbors In Need Since 1989
The Central Kitsap Food Bank began as a church pantry in Tracyton, WA in 1989. Moving to its current location down the street from Central Kitsap High School in Silverdale, 2014. Our 5013 non-profit corporation was obtained in 1992. Only those who live or work in the Central Kitsap School District can be served.
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Catholic Charities Food Pantry
Resources provided by the Catholic Charity organization focus on addressing food, holiday, and immigration needs.
Families of all religions, backgrounds, and cultures can contact Catholic Charity centers for help.
Catholic Charities in Kitsap, Washington are open to families on a first-come, first-serve basis. The centers operate during normal business hours, and provide walk-ins with groceries, food boxes, and items to prepare a meal.
The food pantries are like grocery stores, allow clients the ability to choose the items they need from the groceries that are available on site.
First-time clients of the food pantry will need to apply, and this is done from a one-page application. An applicant will need to provide basic household member as well as demographic information.
We have located 0 Catholic Charities Food Pantry locations in Kitsap, Washington which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Serving Our Community Since 1980
The South Kitsap Helpline is 5013 non-profit organization which has served South Kitsap children, adults and senior citizens in need since 1980. It is our goal to help make sure that all of our neighbors who are struggling have the food they need for themselves and their families.
Every day, 40,000 people in Kitsap County struggle to put food on their table. According to a recent study from the USDA, at some point in the year, 1 in 6 Americans wont know where their next meal will come from. By working with individuals, small businesses, grocery stores, civic groups, schools, and churches across our community, we are working to eliminate hunger in our community.
Our business office and food bank are both open to the public Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 12-5 p.m. We are closed on Wednesdays, weekends and holidays. For inclement weather, we follow the South Kitsap School District weather closures for guidance. For more information about our agency and the services we offer, please call 360.876.4089.
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Serving As A Safety Net For People And Pets In Need
Links:
We believe the best places for pets are with their loving families. We are committed to keeping more pets and families together with our Pet Food Pantry, which is open on a walk-in basis between 11: 00 am-4:00 pm, seven days a week. Dog and cat food are available to residents of Kitsap and Mason County who are low-income to aid in our efforts to support pet retention and reduce surrenders to the shelter.
Donated pet food is distributed free to qualifying households in the amount of a one-month supply for up to 5 pets.
To receive food, applicants must:
- Be a resident of Kitsap or Mason County
- Be experiencing financial hardship or qualify for low-income status
- Applicants pets must be spayed/neutered. If pets are not spayed or neutered, the applicant must be willing to work towards getting their pets spayed or neutered, with assistance from Kitsap Humane Society, in order to continue to receive food assistance.
Individuals requesting pet food for the first time must fill out a Pet Food Pantry Application.
What Can I Donate
Any nonperishable food items, including but not limited to:
· Canned vegetables/fruit, soups, chilis, stews.
· Canned tuna, SPAM, chicken.
· Pastas, boxes pasta meals, macaroni & cheese, ramen noodles.
· Cereal bars, granola bars, protein bars, fruit snacks.
· Personal care items, toilet paper, paper towels, dish/hand soap.
· Pet food.
· Commercially packaged.
· Nonperishable.
· In sealed original containers.
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Commodities Supplemental Food Program For Seniors 60 And Older Within A Specified Income
The goal of the Commodity Supplemental Food Program is to improve the health of elderly people, at least 60 years of age, by supplementing their diets with nutritious United States Department of Agriculture foods and nutrition education resources.
Washington State Department of Agriculture manages CSFP, receiving food and operational funding from USDA for distribution to 13 CSFP lead contractors and 27 counties throughout the state.
While CSFP provides a steady stream of nutritious food, the program is not offered in all counties due to federal funding limits. WSDA typically leverages the current TEFAP distribution system for the distribution of CSFP via food pantries and other food assistance providers.
The food packages provide clients with almost 28 pounds of critically needed food each month. Participants receive real food and not food vouchers. The focus is on nutritional supplementation and provides a variety of fruits, vegetables, healthy juices, dairy, potatoes, cereal, rice, and protein.
Download the CSFP Application here.
Download the CSFP Application Agreement here.
Fill out the application and the agreement and bring them to our office:
Central Kitsap Food Bank3537 NW Anderson Hill Rd.Silverdale, WA 98383
MAIL BOTH to our post office box:Central Kitsap Food BankSilverdale, WA 98383
What we do…
St Vincent De Paul Food Pantry
The St. Vincent de Paul food pantry operates around Kitsap, Washington much like a grocery store where people in need can choose their own food. It helps to enhance their personal dignity and reduces waste due to unwanted food items.
It also helps them to be proactive in addressing any underlying health issues. This is our model of choice for food pantries in the future.
We have located 0 St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry locations in Kitsap, Washington which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
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Faqs Information For New Volunteers
When is the CK Food Bank Open for Volunteers?
9:00 AM to 2:00 PMMonday FridayWe are closed on holidays.
When is the food bank open for clients?
From 10:00 AM to 1:15 AM
Monday Friday
Last client check-in is at 1:15 PM
Who can use the CK Food Bank?
Any person or family in need can use our food bank.
What types of things do volunteers do at the food bank?
- Help clients shop through the grocery.
What if I am not able to do all of those activities?
If you are unable to lift heavy items or stand, please let us know so that we can schedule repacking time for you.
Can I take a break?
Volunteers can take breaks as needed, but we prefer downtimes.
Are there age limits for volunteers?
We accept adult volunteers, while high school volunteers are accepted in limited numbers and must be at least 16 years old. We cannot have volunteers who are children because of the busy atmosphere and equipment used at the food bank.
Can I bring my child with me to volunteer? Can I have visitors?
We may able to accommodate your children under your supervision, however, please contact our volunteer coordinator for approval.
Do I need to commit to a certain day per week to volunteer?
For scheduling, we ask that you decide what day you will volunteer. You are free to try different days for a few weeks before making your decision.
What if Im unable to come in on my scheduled day?
Please call and leave a message 692 9818.
If you know in advance that you will be out, please let us know.
What Is The Difference Between A Food Bank And A Food Pantry
Independent community food pantries are self-governing and usually distribute food to their clients on a once-a-month basis. A food bank is the storehouse for millions of pounds of food and other products that go out to the community. A food pantry functions as the arms that reach out to that community directly.
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Christmas Letter From Fishline
Dear Friends, On behalf of all of us here at Fishline, we are so grateful for the overwhelming support we continue to receive from the North Kitsap community. As we reflect on our work over the past year, we wanted to take a moment to thank you. 2022 has been challenging but with your help
Our Board Of Directors
- Robert Flynn, Treasurer
is a 501 3 Non-Profit Organization Federal Tax ID: 91-1425561.
I know that you probably have a ton of e-mails to sort through, but I just wanted to say thank you all again for all your hard work. I came in for the first time today, and, as a result, I just had my first sufficient meal in three weeks. Everyone with whom I spoke and who helped me was incredibly kind, and this has really helped to relieve some of the stress that Ive experienced over the past few months. I really, really appreciate it, and I hope that once my financial situation improves, I can give back. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
CKFB Client
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How To Donate Food
We accept all food and goods donations at the back of our building 9-2, M-F, except federal holidays. Our volunteers or staff are back there to take your donation and weigh it. We can then provide you with a receipt. If you would like, they can take the items from your car, just let them know.
We have an after hours bin labeled After Hours Donations. Please do not leave any perishable items in the after hours bin. Thank you for supporting the Central Kitsap Food Bank.
Salvation Army Food Pantry
The Salvation Army is dedicated to eliminating food insecurity.
The Salvation Army operates free local food banks around Kitsap, Washington from almost all of their local social service centers. The charity organization is involved in feeding millions of families each year, with a large percentage of those assisted being children as well as the elderly.
We have located 1 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in Kitsap, Washington which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
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Farmers Market Donation Station
Kitsap Harvest provides donations stations at some of the area farmers markets, including the Bremerton Community Farmers Market on Thursdays and Port Orchard Farmers Market on Saturdays.
We have these stations so that the community has an opportunity to donate either through the purchase of Farmers market produce or bringing their own from home.
Free Food Pantries Kitsap County Washington
The Bremerton and Kitsap County Washington area is supported by several food pantries, government programs, distribution centers, soup kitchens as well as free food banks. While the type and amount of aid offered will vary by location, each facility is committed to helping as many lower income or struggling families and individuals as possible provide for their family. Find information below, as well as a toll free phone number at the bottom of the page for other programs for free food.
Some of the services offered by a pantry in Kitsap County can include, but are not limited to, free groceries, food and non-food household needs such as soap or hygiene supplies. Some of the free food pantries near you can offer items like diapers, hygiene supplies, and clothing, all of which are made available to the needy. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and even Easter meals or food baskets may also be available in the city of Bremerton and county.
Most free food is available on an emergency basis, and only in limited quantities and certain days of the week. If a pantry cant help you, they should be able to provide referrals to other social service agencies or charities when needed. They may also help you apply for other government assistance like food stamps, WIC, or summer meals.
In general, the charitable locations run off of donations and food drives as well as our supported by volunteers. All donations are tax deductible, and are accepted in person, or by mail at the Kitsap food banks.
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