Mobile food bank could use drivers with trucks

With an 8 percent increase in business so far this year, the Lewis River Mobile Food Bank is looking for some help collecting and delivering food.

Unlike other pantries, it brings food to people in a 17-foot trailer, with four stops each month at different north county sites.

The group needs volunteer drivers with trucks that can pull the full trailer, which is a 7,000-pound load, said food bank organizer Candice Howell. They also need similar help when it’s time to pick up donated food.

The 8 percent boost over the first five months is reflected in a tally of 1,668 clients and 35,000 pounds of food, Howell said.

Cuts in the SNAP program, unemployment, high gas prices and rising food costs mean all Clark County food pantries are seeing increases in their clientele, she said.

The normal monthly food distribution schedule, from 2 to 4 p.m. at all sites:

• First Sundays: View Fire Station, 37604 N.E. 119th Ave., La Center;

• Second Sundays: Fire District 2 station, 314 N.W. 389th St., La Center;

• Third Sundays: Yacolt Evangelical Free Church, 509 W. Cushman St., Yacolt;

• Fourth Sundays: La Center Evangelical Free Church, 111 E. Fifth St., La Center.

To volunteer or make a donation, go to www.lrmfb.org or call 360-263-5763.

The Lewis River Mobile Food Bank now participates in the Fred Meyer Community Rewards program, she said. People can generate funding for the food bank, at no cost to themselves, by linking their Fred Meyer Rewards card to NPO#87740.