By Andrea Caupain
“I am so glad that you are open and I know that I get to eat again.” We hear this every single day from those we serve. Many are in tears as they seek services for the first time and navigate this “new normal.” For everyone who walks through Byrd Barr Place’s Food Bank, one thing is for sure: they are resilient and eager to help one another. While waiting in line, they are sharing information, counseling each other, and offering words of encouragement. They are reminding each other that this will pass and that they are not alone. Although we must maintain a physical distance at Byrd Barr Place, there is no lack of social connection as our community comes together in this shared experience.
Byrd Barr Place Food Bank provides food and non-grocery items three days a week to Seattle residents in need. Items available in our Food Bank include fresh produce, cultural staples, meat; and non-grocery items such as shampoo, toothpaste and paper towels. We also offer a home delivery service to provide the same items to those who are elderly and disabled. In 2019, we served roughly 800 households per week. However, since COVID-19, our food bank services have increased by a third, in one week assisting over 1,000 households. We have also adjusted our services for the safety of our staff and those in need. To ensure careful social distancing, our food is prepackaged and separated for those who have kitchen access and those who do not. Additionally, our home delivery services now accommodate those with compromised immune systems as well as those with small children. Our work has not stopped there. We have also collaborated with Chef Edouardo Jordan to provide 400 meals per week to our homebound clients and those experiencing homelessness in the Central District. Addressing food insecurity is a collaborative effort, so we have also collaborated with other community-based organizations in King County to support their clients’ access to food.
Although our reach is greater than ever, since COVID-19, we have seen a decrease in food donation by nearly one-half. This reality requires us to become innovative in expanding our resources in order to meet the needs of our community in this critical moment. For example, we are working with farmers whose produce was previously allotted for restaurants, schools, cruise ships, etc. Instead of rotting in fields, our hope is to find ways to get surplus items across the mountains to Byrd Barr Place and into the hands of those who need it most. Right now, due to decreased donations, most of our intake is preserved or boxed foods. It is incredibly important that those we serve have access to fresh produce and vegetables, not just preserved or boxed foods; many have health complications and allergies.
Byrd Barr Place Food Bank is committed to remaining open during this unprecedented time. We will continue to support our staff and infrastructure, and stand in solidarity with organizations that are doing the same. We are providing shelter assistance, food and energy assistance, and are expecting a 40% increase in the need for services over the next 6 months. This is a very challenging time, but we know we are not alone. Byrd Barr Place is committed to feeding as many people as possible in Seattle’s Central District area. We need each other now more than ever and we will get through this together.
Andrea Caupain is the CEO of Byrd Barr Place, formally the Central Area Motivation Program (CAMP). Byrd Barr Place, for more than 55 years, provides essential human services to those in Seattle experiencing poverty. Byrd Barr Places provides housing and energy assistance, healthy food and personal finance programming. Byrd Barr Place serves more than 20,000 people a year with the mission of building strong people and strong communities. To find out more information about their services please call 206 812 4940 or visit byrdbarrplace.org.
