North Mason Food Bank wins free internet

Kirk Boxleitner | Apr 20, 20230

The North Mason Food Bank recently won a year of free internet from Astound Broadband as part of the company’s effort to recognize small businesses for contributing to their communities.

“We believe that smaller locally owned organizations like the North Mason Food Bank are integral to the success of the communities in which they reside,” said Patrick Knorr, chief commercial officer for Astound Business Solutions, a broadband service provider. “We wanted to help make a difference for small local businesses by providing an essential service, while easing their bottom line, allowing them to continue delivering their positive impact on our communities.”

Astound representative Mark Peterson noted the North Mason Food Bank, which has been operating in Belfair since 1983, works to eliminate food insecurity and makes its community more interconnected.

The food bank collaborates with other service providers in the community, providing holiday meals with Faith in Action, the HUB (Hospitality, Unity, Belonging) Center for Seniors, North Mason Resources and the Giving Tree.

Tara Schmidt, executive director of the food bank, estimated it serves 125 to 160 clients per week, which adds up to about 30,000 pounds of food per month, with money from the government covering 90% of that food. The bulk of its operating expenses come from money donated from the community.

With budgets always tight, Schmidt expressed her gratitude for the free internet, which she predicted would knock $70 off the food bank’s monthly expenses, and extended those thanks to community members who nominated the North Mason Food Bank for Astound’s small business initiative.

Schmidt said cash donations allow the food bank to buy certain items in bulk for cheaper than what its donors could get by buying those items on their own.

However, she did ask for donations of sugar, jelly, jam, coffee and hygiene supplies, including toothpaste and bars of soap.

One of the bank’s most pressing emerging needs is more space.

The food bank moved into its current home in 1999, and Schmidt credited the generosity of the former owners with allowing the charity to afford to purchase the land and the building in 2020.

However, the growing demand for the food bank’s services is taxing its parking lot and storage spaces, and with wetlands complicating any attempt to expand upon its existing property, Schmidt said the search is on for other facilities in the area.

The food bank has 35 to 40 devoted volunteers, but Schmidt said another need is for more truck drivers and labor-ready warehouse loaders. Many of its current older volunteers have the will and the love for their work, but not always the physical ability for the food bank’s more demanding tasks.

To learn more about the North Mason Food Bank, go to http://www.northmasonfoodbank.org or call 360-275-4615.