AGENCY SPOTLIGHT: NORTH COUNTY FOOD PANTRY – SEPTEMBER 10

Author: Ben Prez
The North County Food Pantry has always been more than just an opportunity for free groceries. Located in Elk, WA about 30 miles north of downtown Spokane, the North County Food Pantry opens its doors every Monday from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Wednesday from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Individuals who utilize the pantry can shop in a way reminiscent to a grocery store experience, selecting what items they know they will use in what is commonly called a “client choice” distribution style. Sandy Harvey, director of the pantry, refers to her clients as shoppers or guests and while she is happy to share the many positives involved in running this pantry model, she is quick to share the other reasons that make North County Food Pantry special.
“It’s all about the people who come here. We get to interact with them and hear feedback on how this food is helping,” Harvey says.
Through a weekly delivery of fresh produce, dairy, meat, canned goods and bread from Second Harvest, The North County Food Pantry is able to stock their shelves with enough variety to make a balanced selection possible for every shopper.
“Second Harvest has always been there to keep our inventory up and we know the support is there.” Harvey says.
Sandy (far right) and her husband Joe (center back) became volunteers in 2004 after Sandy retired from a career with the postal service. They stuck around through the years, eventually becoming co-directors in 2016.
Sandy and her group of about 20 dedicated volunteers worked hard to cultivate a pantry environment that offered dignity, plenty of healthy food, and a sense of community. They provide resources, connect clients to services, and even started a community garden behind the pantry. The 1-acre plot supplies between 3,000 – 5,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables each year for pantry clients.
The opportunity for choice gives shoppers a chance to pick items suited for their dietary needs, family preferences, and a sense of general dignity along with a significant decrease in wasted food.
Despite that varied client experience, Sandy always circles back to the warm, personable interaction between pantry guest and volunteers.
“We’re called the ‘gathering place’ because the community knows us and trusts us,” Sandy says. “When our numbers dipped, I started calling people and a lot of them said they weren’t coming back until they could shop again. I started the shopping style pantry a few years back and we believe in it and the people love it.”
The COVID-19 pandemic forced the pantry to move to a drive-up distribution style, but Sandy noticed a precipitous drop in households (as low as 10 on a Monday) paying them a visit. In June of 2021 they went back to the grocery store, “client choice”, style and Sandy says that immediately the numbers started to climb again. She believes this is partially due to swapping out the pre-built boxes in exchange for open pantry shopping again but also the warm and inviting environment provided.
“I’ve never seen a group of people as compassionate as this group of volunteers,” Harvey says. “Joe and I have been very fortunate over the years and now we get to give back.”

Food Sourcing Update – September 29
Nearly six months after the federal COVID-19 emergency was lifted, obtaining food continues to be extremely challenging. News stories and conversations with our fellow Feeding America food banks confirm that food sourcing difficulties are nationwide.
That’s why we are so fortunate to be able to access Feeding America’s Choice System to obtain a variety of quality, nutritious food.

How to Host a Fundraiser – September 22
Looking for a fun way to celebrate your birthday, company event or holiday? Hosting a fundraiser for Second Harvest is easy and makes an impact. You can raise funds online or host a food drive in person. We’ll give you the tools to get set up, share your event and start collecting. Every dollar donated makes a difference for neighbors experiencing food insecurity.

Serving Those Who Serve Our Country – September 15
Steve and his wife both retired from the Army, and he also spent time as a civil engineer in the Navy. His career has been a life of service to our country. Today, he is a member of the civilian workforce at Fairchild Air Force Base.
With economics the way they are today, Steve accesses Second Harvest Mobile Market free food distributions on base.
Naturally cheery, Steve manages a smile even when he explains “Times are hard.” Simultaneously, he proudly adds, “We have two kids, 13 and 14. They eat like crazy and are growing like mad.”

Feeding Eastern Washington and North Idaho
Copyright 2020 Second Harvest. All rights reserved.