COLUMBIA BASIN — More clients than usual are utilizing food banks in the Columbia Basin.

Moses Lake Food Bank Assistant Executive Director Peny Archer said food banks throughout Washington are reporting increased clientele. 

The Ephrata Food Bank is serving 1,500 to 1,600 people each month instead of the typical 1,000 to 1,200.

“We’re running about a real-solid third more people,” said Manager Mike Donovan.

Othello Food Bank also reported seeing more clients.

The food bank typically serves 50 to 60 families on open days, said Vice Chair Bob Fuller.

“We had 82 families on Friday and the Tuesday before that, we had 111 families,” Fuller said.

Moses Lake Food Bank reported 14,286 visits in March 2009 compared with 8.848 visits the same month last year.

“This is flat out scary — not only for us, but for our families too because they’re feeling the stress,” said Archer.

Executive Director Linda Finlay said 188 families in March were new to the food bank.

“A lot of them have never been in a food bank in their entire life,” Archer noted.

Archer said job losses and reduced hours are contributing to the increase.

“It’s a real challenge for us because everybody’s in the same boat,” Finlay said.

The Moses Lake Food Bank serves families in Moses Lake, Warden, Stratford, Wilson Creek and Marlin.

The food bank’s biggest need is potatoes, of which the food bank can distribute 8,000 pounds per week, Finlay said.

Fuller said the increase at Othello Food Bank is forcing him to seek out new sources of food.

The food bank was able to get potatoes, onions and beans from local suppliers.

Canned goods are running low because of the increase in food bank use, he said.

“We’d like to encourage people to have food drives throughout the year for the food bank,” Fuller said.

Fuller said the weather has been “tricky” for farm workers, with farms experiencing snow and then warm weather.

Donovan said Ephrata Food Bank has been able to maintain its supply of food but welcomes donations.

Where to donate

Ephrata Food Bank is located at 1010 A St. S.E. For more information, call 509-754-5772.

Mattawa Food Bank is located at Morris Schott Middle School, 500 N. Boundary Road. For more information, call 509-932-4082.

Moses Lake Food Bank is located at 1075 W. Marina Drive. For more information, call 509-765-8101.

Othello Food Bank is located at 949 Main St. For more information, call Bob Fuller at 509-488-6392.

Quincy Community Food Bank is located at 210 1st Ave. S.E. For more information, call 509-787-4963.

Royal City Food Bank is located at 229 1/2 Balsam St. For more information, call 509-346-9334.

Soap Lake Food Bank is located at 325 Main Ave. E. For more information, call 509-246-0164.

Warden Food Pantry is located on the corner of 5th and Maple. For more information, call 509-349-2444.