The Richland County Food Bank is quickly settling in to its new home at 517 E. Main, Sidney. In just 1 1/2 days on Sept. 19 & 20, food bank staff, with massive help from the City of Sidney, LDS elders, Boy Scout Troop 141, and employees of EOG transferred freezers, shelving and food items. Even the original door with signage was transferred, making board member Candy Markwald extremely grateful. “They did magic on it and made it fit,” she said with a big smile.
The new building has more than double the space with 1,500 square feet compared to 651, and is more accessible with no stairs and an overhead door in the back. Employees and volunteers now have ample room to work efficiently, neatly organizing donations and serving clients.
Markwald expressed her deepest appreciation to the Richland County Commissioners for their valuable support over the past 12 years, as they provided the previous location including utilities at no cost. That support enabled the Food Bank to squirrel away enough money to make the purchase of the new building feasible. “When someone would give a monetary donation, we bought food first, then put the rest in the bank,” she explained. “We were able to achieve a solid financial well-being.”
The Richland County Food Bank was started in 1985 by area churches that saw a need in the county, with each church having a board member. The board changed with different people and interests and now consists of Markwald, Denise Rossol, Gloria Yockim, Duane Pust, Dawn Biebl, Gary Arnold, Helen Schmitt, Vanessa Pooch and Trish Neiss.
“Food donations are vital to what makes this place rock,” Markwald said. Donations, whether monetary or food are always needed, as the need for food does not end. Markwald explained that monetary donations are best since they allow the Food Bank to purchase what is needed at any given time, but all donations of non-expired food items are very much appreciated. Currently, ramen noodles, tuna, jellies, Spaghettios, peanut butter and canned fruit are at the top of the desired list. Cans or plastic containers are best to avoid breakage.
If you have some extra time and would like to help this vital mission, consider volunteering. The board would like the food bank to be open more hours than they currently are but that can’t happen without more help. “It takes a village,” Markwald stated. “Volunteers are what make this place work.”
The food bank is open, by appointment only, Mondays and Thursdays from 9-11 a.m. and 1 p.m. until the last client is served. Call 406-433-8142 for your appointment.
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