The Ocean Shores Food Bank is an all-volunteer organization, and we are always looking for more people to join us as we work to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry. There are many jobs available, from helping at our Thursday food bank distributions to stocking shelves at our Tuesday morning work groups to unloading truck deliveries and picking up groceries from local grocery stores and joining our garden team as they tend the food bank beds at Garden by the Sea.

Volunteering at the food bank is fun. You’ll meet new people and, most importantly, you will help put food on local tables. For more information, click here to visit our website or contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Kathy Baker, at nwkate91@gmail.com. 

Ocean Shores Food Bank Executive Director Sandy Harley recently received the following note.

Dear Sandy,

My heart is full tonight. I just made fresh coleslaw and Mac and cheese casserole. I also have a variety of fresh apples and delicious soups. I don’t want to bother you, but I wanted to thank you and your volunteer, Terri. She walked me to my car and was one of the nicest people I ever met. Thank you for your kindness.

Our hearts are full as well--filled with the joy of knowing that we can help ensure that our neighbors have the nutritious food they need to thrive. Many thanks to everyone for their support and giving us the opportunity to serve.

July

by the Numbers

Total households served – 766

Total household members – 1,659

New families – 32

Kids' books distributed – 141

Number of volunteer hours logged – 1,286.5

Help ensure kids and teens have access to nutritious food this summer with SUN Bucks!

We are excited to inform you of the new federal nutrition program that will provide families with $120 per eligible child to purchase food during the summer months, providing a boost in grocery budgets when school meals are unavailable.

Here are some key details about the SUN Bucks program:

Who is eligible: Eligibility for SUN Bucks is based on household income or participation in other public assistance programs, such as free school meals, SNAP (Basic Food/EBT) and TANF. Families can learn if their child is eligible by using this online screening tool.

Benefits: Each eligible child will receive $120 to purchase groceries during the summer months. These funds will be distributed via an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card, which can be used like a debit card at participating grocery stores and retailers.

How to enroll: Now that school has let out for the summer, the best way to apply for SUN Bucks if you’re not already enrolled is through the state application, which can be found here https://sunbucks.dshs.wa.gov/en/. If families have filled out the Free and Reduced-Price Meals application or the Family Income Survey for their child’s school during the school year, they should automatically receive SUN bucks if eligible, and there’s no need for families to apply again. Families can Check the online screening tool to see if they need to apply.

Let Your Light Shine!

Simply put, we need your help.

According to a recent study by Feeding America, 15.9% of Grays Harbor County residents are experiencing food insecurity, and Ocean Shores is no exception. Each month, over 960 households with nearly 2,220 individuals come to the food bank for help.

Your support will not only provide nutritious food but also bring comfort, hope, and better health to your friends and neighbors who join us at the food bank each week.

You and your generosity are a light that shines in the lives of those around you.

Thank you.