SEATTLE — A recent power outage did more than just turn out the lights in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District.
It also destroyed a stockpile of frozen food at a food bank, hurting those who need help.
“To walk in and see it empty,” said Miguel Saldin, Interim Director of Nutrition Programs with Asian Counseling Referral Service (ACRS). “It’s a very sad, gloomy situation."
An empty feeling, filling up with disappointment.
"This was full of needed proteins for our community members there was a lot of fish, a lot of items that folks really rely on during their visits to our food bank," Saldin said.
That was Saldin walking in the ACRS food bank's freezer, which is empty after staff had to toss out more than 2,000 pounds of food after a power outage on Jan. 23. It's something Saldin's never experienced during his time with the non-profit.
"This is truly shocking - 17 years,” Saldin said. “This has never happened to us. But we just have to step up and best deal with the situation as much as we can."
Throwing away about two weeks' worth of food, costing thousands of dollars, is a major setback.
But that hasn't stopped ACRS from serving.
“We tried to supplement that with other items that we have in stock, our dry goods,” Saldin said. “But it's just not the same as having your fresh proteins available. So we went about our business, not only for the next day but for the next two following weeks."
For decades ACRS has been there for the greater Seattle area and now the community is returning the favor.
"As sad as this story is, there is a good ending - a happy ending," Saldin said.
More than $3,000 and counting have been donated since the outage.
"Thanks to our community members for making these donations,” Saldin said. “We're able to replenish our freezer full of wonderful items once again which will be delivered very soon, so we're just so thankful for the community."
ACRS said it should get meat and fish supply on Thursday. If you’d like to donate you can visit its website here.
Staff encourage the community to join them during ACRS' largest fundraiser of the year Walk for Rice held at Seward Park on June 29.