Food bank expansion begins

The Friday Harbor Food Bank celebrated breaking ground to begin its expansion Aug. 12. A crowd of approximately 20 people watched as Rachelle Radonski the food bank manager and board president Jose Domenech posed with shovels.

“The size of the turnout shows how much community support there is,” Domenech said, thanking the attendees for turning out.

“Bill Cummings couldn’t be here today, but he really got the project going,” Domenech said, giving kudos to the former board president. Domenech continued to explain that the food bank need doubled during the pandemic, and that need has not fallen. In fact, Radonski told the Journal after the event that the county housing crisis has led to a new type of customer, those who have jobs on the island and therefore do not want to move, but have been forced out of their homes and therefore no longer have cooking capability.

“There has been an increase in what we call the houseless population,” Radonski said. As the housing crisis continues, that need will remain.

Local architect Dave Waldron donated his time to the project and has volunteered to help with the interior layout as well. He told the crowd he was moved by the need he saw after taking on the project.

“It was a real eye-opener to see the volume of food that goes through here,” said Waldron.

The expansion will provide room for more food storage and create a more private waiting room for customers. While the farmers market feel during the warmer months will be maintained, there will now be more indoor space during the cold seasons, according to Domenech.

“It will continue having an inviting look,” Domenech said, adding that there will also be an improved customer experience due to the additional space.

Radonski noted that the construction will not interrupt the food bank’s regular hours.

“Do not be afraid of the construction,” she said. “Our hours will remain the same. It was actually one of the biggest hurdles, figuring out how to do the expansion while maintaining our usual service.”

Part of the expansion includes additional freezer space. In order to purchase industrial freezers, the Friday Harbor Food Bank is asking for $10,000 in donations through the San Juan Island Community Foundation’s Fair Giving Campaign. These freezers will help nourish the community with quality frozen foods, Radonski said.

Islanders can donate via their website fridayharborfoodbank.weebly.com Aug. 17-20, by credit card over the phone at 360-378-1001, or by mailing a check to the SJICF at P.O. Box 13 52 Friday Harbor WA 98250.

Staff and volunteers will also be at the SJICF booth Aug. 19 from 1-2:30 p.m. for those that would like to donate in person.

Domenech closed his comments by thanking donors as well as the food bank’s neighbors and partners the Joyces Sobel Family Resource Center and Mullis Senior Center. Jennifer Armstong, director of the family resource center, and Anna Coffelt, director of the Mullis Senior Center were in attendance showing their support.

“You have been very helpful and we couldn’t have done it without you,” he said.