'The need is increasing'

COEUR d’ALENE — November was crazy busy for the Community Action Partnership food bank.

In a two-day stretch, some 700 people passed through its doors. For the month, it gave away more than 80,000 pounds of food. There were days people were standing outside because there was no room inside.

“That’s just amazing for us,” said manager Darrell Rickard. 

It’s a similar story at the Post Falls Food Bank.

It’s no longer primarily seniors stopping in to pick up food so they'll have enough to eat, said Executive Director Leslie Orth.

“What we see walking through our doors every day are families,” she said. “Teachers are coming in.”

And the Union Gospel Mission in Coeur d’Alene continues to see more women and children turning to it for a place to live and other assistance.

“The need is increasing,” said Tim Long, UGM spokesman. “The need is still there.”

Those three organizations were among 10 that received $1,200 each from the Kootenai-Shoshone Farm Bureau on Thursday.

Food banks in Athol, Harrison, Rathdrum, Shoshone and Spirit Lake, Children’s Village and Press Christmas for All also received funds.

The annual gifts totaled $12,000.

Farm Bureau Secretary Linda Rider said the money comes from its membership and rent from the local Farm Bureau Insurance Company. 

She said they make the donations each year “for the community" and know the money will be spent wisely.

“Absolutely,” Rider said.

Long said UGM is grateful for that support, as donations like that make big differences in many lives.

“You’re talking generational changes,” he said.

Liz Krise with the Spirit Lake food bank said they are also seeing greater need and the bureau donation will help meet it.

“Just know from the bottom of our hearts we truly appreciate it,” she said.