Donations of food, cash welcome at area food banks

MOSES LAKE - Some families who use the Moses Lake Food Bank just need help around the holidays.

This creates a surge of about 1,100 people lining up for food during Thanksgiving week, said Linda Finlay, the food bank's executive director.

The reasons for the long lines during Thanksgiving and also Christmas are varied. Sometimes it's because children aren't at school receiving free or reduced-price meals, she said. Instead, the kids are at home on holiday break.

The 12 food banks in Grant County serve about 24,000 families per month and are accepting donations of food and cash as they enter the holiday season.

The Moses Lake Food Bank is open from noon to 3:45 p.m. from Monday to Thursday and can be reached at 509-765-8101.

Other area food banks include:

• Soap Lake Food Bank, 325 Main Ave. East, open Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., 509-246-0164.

• Ephrata Food Bank, 1010 A. St. S.E., open Monday and Thursday, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., 509-754-5772.

• Royal City Food Bank, 229 1/2 Balsam St., open Tuesday, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., 509-346-9334.

• Othello Food Bank, 940 Main St., open Tuesday and Friday, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., 509-488-2295.