Marysville Community Food Bank Reaches 50-Year Milestone as Demand Climbs

The Marysville Community Food Bank is marking its 50th year of service as local food banks work to keep families and children fed through the holiday season and beyond, according to a report published December 11, 2023.

Executive Director Jim Beaudoin said the nonprofit landscape has shifted considerably since the organization was founded in 1974. "None of us thought we'd even need to be here 50 years ago," he said. "All these years later we're still here and we've grown tremendously." He said the anniversary is a chance to talk with the community about what the next 50 years should look like.

The scale of the operation is substantial. In 2022, the food bank received 1,571,885 pounds of donated food, along with another 11,024 pounds of home-grown produce. Those contributions served 16,409 households, representing 50,028 people.

Even so, Beaudoin said the number of Marysville residents seeking help is rising by 12 to 15 percent each month. He urged people to consider donating or volunteering. "We serve hundreds of families each week with many volunteers and over the years the community of Marysville has always been supportive of our efforts," he said. "Unfortunately, now more than ever we need their support to continue to serve the growing numbers of neighbors in need."

Several programs offer ways to take part. Through A Simple Gesture, participants receive a reusable green bag to fill with non-perishable food and leave on their porch. A volunteer collects it on the first Saturday of every even-numbered month, leaves an empty bag in its place, and sends a reminder a few days before each pickup.

The Food for Thought Backpack Program targets weekend hunger among students. The Marysville School District qualified in 2021 to provide free lunches to all students through 2024, but children can still go hungry on weekends. The program works with elementary school counselors to supply weekend meals. "Currently, we are serving over 500 packs each week of the school year," Beaudoin said.

The Toy Store Initiative has more than 48 drop-off locations across Marysville accepting food, toys and warm clothing, so children can feel cared for and celebrated. Volunteers can sign up online, and food distribution drivers and food sorters are in particularly high demand this season. Monetary gifts can also be made online to pay for fresh food and presents, and spare toys and food can be placed in the red giving barrels set up at participating businesses through the holidays.

The Marysville Police Department is also collecting warm clothing, including coats and hoodies, to distribute through the Toy Store. Collection began Dec. 1.

People who need help now can visit the food bank on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, as well as one Wednesday evening each month. Guests can reserve a time online or by calling 360-658-1054.