By Claire Lee
Summer 2021
When we think of “food banks” we often think of people going to their local food bank to get groceries to feed themselves and their families. But what if there’s something inhibiting one’s ability to physically go to a food bank?
Jack Sweeney has been utilizing Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank resources since 2016 after hearing about our services from some neighbors at the YWCA Family Village. “I was on a very tight food and clothing budget, so any help in these areas was necessary to live without struggling.” He used to come to the food bank in-person to do his shopping, sharing that he’d come “generally on Wednesday afternoons, just before 5 pm. […] I would get there early each week to get my shopping finished pretty fast and to enjoy the ample selection of foods.”
However, as the COVID-19 pandemic hit and news of high-risk demographics came out, Jack had to begin what he decribed as “self-isolation at my little apartment.” He had already been a part of our Groceries to Go home delivery program, but in 2020 the program had to temporarily shift to emergency food boxes rather than self-select ordering. Jack remembered “I called and Erin [Programs Manager] came over and interviewed me several years ago.” adding, “I started to get home deliveries every other Tuesday at the YWCA Family Village in the Issaquah Highlands. And the food distribution and quality is quite good. Some weeks the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank has provided $25 Albertsons/Safeway gift cards and occasionally $50 cards.”
Although our clothing bank continues running limited quarterly clothing bank events to supplement clothing needs while the full-time clothing bank is closed, Jack has been able to enjoy these clothing events, sharing “At first I didn’t shop your clothing section...but then you started to have the seasonal, very organized, clothing events by appointment. They got me hooked. […] Depending on the four seasons, coats, jackets, hats, gloves, blankets etc. for men & women in most size ranges have been provided.”
When asked how it makes him feel knowing his basic needs are reliably covered by the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank, he replies, “I feel Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank came to my rescue.” Thank you to every volunteer and donor for coming to the rescue of Jack and thousands like him who appreciate all you do!