Emergency food bank assists residents

People needing emergency food supplies can take advantage of a resource to get them through a few tough days.

Glenn County Community Action Agency’s Food Bank, tucked behind the Human Resource Agency’s offices in Willows, is manned by part-time employee Jack Kennedy and volunteer Ray Hargens.

The men take information from applicants such as their names, the number  of family members and their income levels when people come by three afternoons a week.

They distribute cereal, dry milk, canned fruit and vegetables, canned tuna, hamburger and hot dogs based on the number of people in a family. Pasta and a host of other foods round out the list.

“There is enough food to last three days,” Kennedy said. “The menu was designed by a dietician from U.C., Davis.”

He emphasized this food bank is for emergencies only and does not provide monthly giveaways like some food pantries.

People who have been laid off work, experienced a house fire or who have unusual expenses can qualify for the food bank’s services, Kennedy said.

The number of people seeking help is on the rise. In March the food bank served 200 people compared to 100 in March 2008, officials said.

Clients may come three times a year, preferably at least  90 days apart, to receive food. They also are referred to food pantries in the county that distribute food each month, Kennedy said.

The food bank is open 1 to 4 p.m.  Monday, Wednesday and Friday, at 420 E. Laurel St. Food also is distributed in Orland 1 to 4 p.m.  Monday and Thursday at the HRA office at 604 E. Walker St. behind Butte College.

Those wishing to donate food to the bank may bring it by on days it is open or drop the goods by the HRA office during business hours Monday through Friday.

Many in the community have generously donated food, including the businesses Curves and Edward Jones Financial Services,  and numerous farmers, Kennedy said.

Food drives by the Boy Scouts in November, the schools during December and the Willows Post Office around Mother’s Day also help, the men said.

 Fresh produce, canned goods and more are always welcome, they said, along with dry pasta and beans.

Hargens has donated his time to the bank for 15 years after first helping the Boy Scouts in their efforts. He just moved into volunteering regularly at the food bank.

 “Ray is a very reliable and helpful person,” Kennedy said. “He is a big help.”

For more information, call 934-6510.