WALLACE — The switch from only nonperishable foods to fresh produce and frozen proteins has been paying off at the Wallace Food Bank.

“If we can provide it, let’s do it,” said Michael Hoffman, food bank president.

They recently added a refrigerator and freezer, which were donated after a local business closed. 

“People get blown away when they come in here and see how much stuff we’ve got. What we’ve done for the last 20 years up until three to four months ago was nonperishable foods only,” Hoffman said.

The nonprofit has been tracking numbers for food distribution, and turnout has increased from about 75 individuals monthly to about 100.

“It’s grown by leaps and bounds, and it’s probably a number of things like inflation. We’re providing fresh food and fresh produce now,” Hoffman said.

Volunteers

Mobilizing volunteers to guide people through the winding basement of the Prayer Station has become a priority as the number of people using the food bank increases.

Dorothy Russell, a longtime volunteer, said she believes the bigger turnouts are due to the new items the food bank is able to offer.

“I like the changes they are making now, because more people are coming in for help,” Russell said.

Russell said she appreciates the camaraderie she and the other volunteers have built up after the fresh food was added through the Post Falls Food Bank food share earlier this year. 

“The community is very generous,” Hoffman said.

The Wallace Food Bank is open on the third Thursday of each month.

    Fresh food for Silver Valley residents has resulted in a bump in attendance in the Wallace Food Bank.