Local food banks prepare for busy holiday season

Spirited volunteers at the Post Falls Food Bank are rolling up their sleeves and preparing for an uptick in business as the holidays approach.

And while the number of people visiting the popular market-like food bank is expected to increase by as much as 20 percent as Thanksgiving nears, executive director Leslie Orth emphasized the need exists year around.

“We will probably have a 10 to 20 percent increase in registrations for the holidays, but I don’t know if that means the need is greater,” Orth says. “I think people are more mindful of their struggles and don’t want to go through the holidays without being able to provide.”

She adds: “People become more aware of their circumstances during the holidays and that is the motivation (for more) to come through the door.”

For those who may find it difficult to make ends meet, the Post Falls Food Bank, 415 E 3rd Ave., again this year is offering free turkeys to registered clientele. Orth estimates about 500 big birds will be given away this year.

Another 500 turkeys and hams will be offered during Christmastime.

In recognition of the holidays, Post Falls Food Bank customers will be given 30 extra “points” to shop with in November. That represents an increase of about 30 percent over the normal point allocation. Shoppers at the popular food bank purchase their food with points and they can spend them however they like.

Orth said the additional holiday points, which will also include 30 extra points in December, do not need to be spent on turkey and trimmings.

“We will have a special holiday section with all the typical fixings - green beans, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie … but (shoppers) can do whatever they want with their points,” she says.

She noted that an abundant produce section costs zero points and shoppers are welcome to take what they need for the week.

And while customers must register to shop at the food bank, Orth said qualifications are easily met. “A lot of our clientele are working families so we will take up to 200 percent over the poverty level,” she said.

And the market-like setting makes it easier to show and provide a low-key, uplifting atmosphere.

At the Lake City Food Bank, 6000 N. Ramsey Road, executive director Joyce Dexter said staff is prepared for the busy season. The Coeur d’Alene food bank also works on a point system and is expecting an increase in clientele for the holidays.

Beyond the food assistance, the food bank offers opportunities for people to get their life back on track, Dexter said.

The food bank offers life coaches that can help clientele with issues ranging from job interview skills and writing cover letters to budgeting and financial instruction.

Like the Post Falls Food Bank, Dexter said holiday meals are not provided, per se.

“We don’t hand out bags of holiday food,” she says. “We work by a point system so people can purchase whatever their needs are.”

St. Vincent de Paul, meanwhile, will offer a free Thanksgiving meal for the “active homeless” at its warming center, 202 W. Seventh St. in Post Falls, said executive director Larry Riley.

“We’ll be there from 2 to 6 p.m.,” he said. “We serve a lot of people every year and we’re looking forward to helping out local folks in need … we’ve got it down to a science.”

Elsewhere, at Real Life Ministries, a popular church 1860 N Cecil Rd, Post Falls, Food Room coordinators Hanna and Fred Liebenau say a strong economy has actually reduced the need on their services.

“We used to see about 720 people a month,” Hanna says. “That’s down to about 525 now.”

The Food Room gives out about 100 turkeys for the holidays. To accept the donation, people need only register with the church. There are no restrictions, Hanna says.