COEUR d’ALENE — Community Action Partnership has been serving people for about 25 years, currently seeing about 500 people a week in its food bank alone.

But the post-COVID economic climate has brought some challenges, said Program Manager Darrell Rickard. Like many organizations, CAP is facing personnel and supply chain shortages.

During COVID, the food bank provided food boxes car side and is now open again for people to “shop” in person. Pre-COVID they had about 60 volunteers, but many were unable to return.

“I probably have about 30 (volunteers). I’m missing quite a few,” Rickard said. “I’ve got some people that are kind enough to do double shifts for me. But that’s asking a lot of our volunteers.”

CAP requests volunteers to commit to about 4 hours a week, Rickard said. In addition, the organization has 10 staff members between two departments.

Ask any staff member or volunteer and they’ll tell you one thing they love about being part of CAP is the happy atmosphere.

Katrina Mayer has been on staff for over two years.

“I love the people,” Mayer said.

Volunteer Rodney Maxim worked his shift at a Maverick gas station before arriving at the food bank Wednesday afternoon. As a teen, he recalls visiting the food bank with his mom and sisters for groceries. His time spent there now is a way to “give back to the community,” he said.

“My favorite thing is the sense of community,” Maxim said. “Being a part of a local contribution.”

Volunteers can serve in several areas: office needs, special projects, site and grounds maintenance, organizing food drives, assembling food boxes, picking up donations, donating time with special skills or working the raised garden beds behind the warehouse.

CAP’s garden yields about 2,000 pounds of fresh produce annually, Rickard said.

Food supply chain issues are also affecting CAP. For the past six months they’ve experienced frequent USDA food order cancellations, Rickard said. When the USDA can’t fill an order, there is no warning and no replacement available for the needed product.

That affects CAP’s provision of food to about 25 other food banks in outlying areas.

“There’s really nothing we can do about it,” Rickard said. “It’s kind of heartbreaking — this food supply issue.”

Local grocery stores still donate generously, Rickard said. And even with the challenges, volunteers and staff continue to smile.

Howard Richter has been on staff for more than five years, working in the warehouse.

“It’s honest to goodness service work,” Richter said. “It’s one of the best jobs I’ve ever had for feeling good about myself and feeling good about what I do for my community.”

There's a lot CAP can do to help families, Rickard said. Registration for assistance with food is simple and comes without stigma or hassle. Client help is based on income and a brief one-time application must be completed. Those in need don’t have to call ahead. They can simply show up at 4144 West Industrial Loop weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3:45 p.m.

Shopping carts are provided and clients may choose fresh produce, breads, dry, frozen and fresh goods, depending on what's available that day.

When funds are tight, using CAP for food allows people to save money for other needs, Rickard said. CAP is a resource citizens can rely on.

Providing transformational services, the ultimate goal is to “create initiatives” that help people escape from poverty, said Community Services Manager Kimberly Spencer.

“We do that by first helping people stabilize their situation and be basic-needs secure,” Spencer said. “Second, we walk alongside them as they become equipped to face the challenges of exiting poverty.”

“Opportunities that we have are designed for stabilization,” Spencer said. “Energy assistance programs can help with heating and electricity bills. Nutritional programs, home weatherization and working with other community partners in order to create a network of support.”

Family-centered coaching helps people set and achieve long-term goals and achieve financial wellness, Spencer said. Classes on workplace excellence and essential skills are offered.

“It’s a lot more than a food bank,” Rickard said. “We’re happy with what we do here. We want to do everything we can to help the community. It’s not just a Band-Aid; we want to bring them out of poverty.”

The postal service will conduct a food drive on May 14 to benefit CAP. Those wishing to participate may leave a bag of donated food near the mailbox and mail carriers will collect them.

To volunteer contact Rickard at 208-770-3018 or visit cap4action.org. Resources can be accessed via the website or by calling 208-664-8757 or 800-326-4843.