In June you will see some changes to Burien Elks Lodge Building as we welcome our new tenant for the downstairs space. Highline Area Food Bank will be moving in. Plans are for the food bank to do some modification in June and be ready in their new space in July. So, what do we know about this organization?
The Food Bank was started in 1983 in the basement of John Knox Presbyterian Church. In 1995 space in the basement became tight and the food bank moved into the Manhattan Community Center. At that time also a group of seven local churches who supported the food bank organized into the Highline Area Food Bank. Today a growing demand for its service has once again made it necessary to expand and find a new larger location more accessible for their clients.
The mission of Highline Area Food Bank is to gather and distribute food for people in need, in the Highline area, Burien, Normandy Park, and SeaTac at no cost. The food bank operates as a pantry of choice, which means essentially as a mini grocery store. Clients have choices, taking what they need, often base on household size, and are not require to take unwanted items. The food bank operates with two full time employees and one part time employee. It also has roughly 75 volunteers. This group does everything to ensure that the food bank fulfils its mission from sorting food that come in, stocking shelves, picking up donations, but most importantly assisting clients in navigating the marketplace getting what they need.
So, what does Burien Elks Lodge provide to this mission? One of the biggest keys is that it will allow the Food Bank to set up a permanent marketplace. This also allows the food bank to operate extended hours, easier accessibility, and a more welcoming space.
Highline Area Food Bank is grateful to the members of Burien Elks for opening their doors and are willing to partner with them in serving our community. If you want more information about this partnership, contact Exalted Ruler Valerie “Missy” Wheat.