A thank you and a call for help
This spring, when the food bank was in dire need of additional resources to help replenish its shelves due to the increased number of clients needing assistance over the winter months, the community rallied with food and funding that made it possible for the food bank to continue helping those in need. This summer many local gardeners donated their surplus produce to the food bank.
The Winnemucca Food Bank is a local, independent non-profit, financed and supported by contributions from local businesses and individuals. The Rotary Club of Winnemucca, Postal Workers, Boy Scouts, and local area mines hold food drives throughout the year to help keep the shelves well stocked.
Currently, there are several blue barrels located around town collecting food for the holiday season. The barrels can be found at Choice Wireless, Washington Federal Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, Uptown Market, Frugal Flamingo thrift store, Klondex Mine office, and BLM. Newmont is holding their annual Stuff a Trailer food drive Dec. 1 in the Khoury’s and Ridley’s parking lots.
D3 Church provided Thanksgiving baskets again this year, which the food bank helped distribute. The food bank has taken applications for Christmas baskets that will provide a nice Christmas dinner to those low-income families needing some help to take the pressure off the holiday season.
The Christmas baskets will be assembled at the Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall Dec. 18 and distributed to their recipients Dec. 19. Recipients will receive a letter from the food bank letting them know what time to pick up their baskets.
On average, the food bank provides assistance to 240 households per month, which includes about 540 individuals. Many of those needing help are successful finding work and getting back on their feet but there is nearly the same number of new clients each month that have some type of set-back, financial or health-wise and need temporary assistance. Last year, the local food bank distributed 164,264 pounds of food, providing 131,411 meals using Feeding America’s formula.
"We couldn’t do what we do, without the amazing support of this wonderful community," said Barbara Sealy.
To volunteer or donate to the food bank, stop by the food bank at 150 S. Bridge Street, M-W-F from 9 a.m.-12 noon and 1-4 p.m. Checks can be dropped off or mailed to P.O. Box 93, Winnemucca, NV 89446. All contributions are tax deductible.
Volunteers are needed to help assemble the Christmas baskets. Anyone willing to help may just come to the Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall on Mon. Dec. 18 at 9 a.m.