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Ferndale Food Bank overcomes adversity to strengthen community

Since 2020, volunteers have overcome a pandemic, flood, and explosion in need. Now, they're paying their good fortune forward.

FERNDALE, Wash. — She is the first face at the front desk to greet those seeking assistance from the Ferndale Food Bank. 

"They all know that we do the best we can to help as many people as we can," Wanda Schleisner said.

Schleisner has volunteered at the food bank for 35 years.

"As long as I can work the computer and I'm mobile, I think I'll be here," Schleisner said.

She is dearly needed.

There has been a 300% increase in need since before the pandemic. That's 56,000 meals handed out annually in a town of just over 16,000 people.

Many folks who used to come to the food bank one time per month are now coming one time per week.

"Some people are embarrassed about being here," Schleisner said. "They've lost a job. You might see them out in the community and then you see them here. You try not to make them feel uncomfortable in any way."

The food bank is no stranger to hardship, itself, but it's through that hardship that it has grown stronger and helped others do so as well.

Just as the pandemic hit, one of Whatcom County's biggest employers -- Alcoa aluminum -- announced it was closing its Ferndale smelter -- taking 700 family wage jobs with it and increasing the need for food exponentially.

Then, in 2021, floods totaled the food bank's two delivery vans right before Thanksgiving. Donated vans from the community got the food rolling once again.

"The Ferndale Food Bank is a place the community will not let fail," said Sierra Crook, executive director.

That sort of support allowed the food bank to donate a van to another community group feeding folks in other parts of Whatcom County. 

It is unwavering support for unprecedented demand.

"Us paying it forward means someone is getting fed across the county, not just in Ferndale," Crook said. "That way we can extend the community support to other folks."

For  Schleisner, it's a feeling of family. One she hopes to be part of for many years to come.

"Sometimes we get a card saying we've helped a family through a tough time," Schleisner said. "They really appreciate us. That makes me feel the best."

How to help

Click here to donate online through Northwest Harvest between now and the end of the year.

Through Dec. 31, donate $5, $10, or $12 towards grocery cards at your local Safeway store.

In-person donations will also be accepted at several locations on Nov. 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Drive-up donations will be accepted at the following locations:

  • Rainier Beach Safeway, 9262 Rainier Avenue S, Seattle
  • Eloise's Cooking Pot, 10303 Portland Ave E, Tacoma
  • Feeding Feasible Feasts, Bothell United Methodist Church, 18515 92nd Avenue NE, Bothell

Walk-up donations will only be accepted at Lumen Field in Seattle before the Seahawks game that day.

Tune in to KING 5 on Nov. 24, at 9 a.m. for a one-hour broadcast special to see how your support for Home Team Harvest helps change lives in our community.

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